Chapter 38
"Are those tears at the corner of Aiyora-chan's eyes."
"Yes Takuma, they are."
"Is she still in pain? I thought her injuries healed after you and Senri each donated two full bags of blood."
"She sustained severe head injury—"
"It's not her injuries Aidou, it's the dream that's making her cry."
"What dream?!"
"Lower your voice, Aidou-san! You'll wake her up."
"Shut up Shiki!"
"Aidou."
"Forgive me, Kaname-sama."
"Hey guys look! I think Aiyora-chan is finally awakening."
Aiyora's eyes fluttered. They opened briefly and closed down again because the level of exhaustion was too intense for her to fight through. She vaguely heard the voices speaking but couldn't point who they were.
"Will she be thirsty after awakening?"
"Don't worry Senri, that matter has been taken care of already ."
Aiyora made another attempt to open her eyes. This time she kept them open and allowed the blurred vision to eventually clear up. Her fingers twitched as she tried to find her strength bit by bit. Slowly as the senses sharpened she recognized the others present in the room— Kaname, Takuma, Senri and Hanabusa.
While all four looked relieved to have her back, Hanabusa was the first to express his excitement verbally. Takuma being the next.
"Aiyora-sama!"
"Thank God you're safe Aiyora-chan. You gave us quite the scare."
"Your skull was fractured. Who did something so brutal to you?!"
"I underestimated the clown I went on a date with, Aidou-kun. Turns out he was quite powerful pureblood and crazy. Such a deadly combination!"
Neither Kaname nor Senri made any comment. Both of them just quietly listened as Aiyora went on to give details about how her so called date went.
At one point when Aiyora tried to sit up. Kaname was about to offer her his assistance but Senri beat him to it. The latter got to her faster.
The incident didn't skip Takuma's attention, even though he was engrossed into the conversation with Aiyora and Aidou. He cast a worried glance at Kaname, who had his face cast down in defeat. And it worried Takuma. For the most part, he was worried about his friend's mental health. Although no one could understand judging by his outer appearance, but inside the brunette was quite broken.
The following day Aiyora started inquiring about the new transfer student. Only to learn that she's changed her dorm. Now Kurenai Maria resides in the old teacher's dormitory, which was once used by the night class as temporary residence.
Why did she move out of here to that abandoned building? What game is she playing?
"You're here! And I've been looking all over the dorm for you." Senri let out a sigh of relief after finally finding the his half sister; who was seated on the kitchen fool behind the double door refrigerator eating ice-cream out of a tub.
"I'm thinking..."
"Oh I see... but since when does thinking require finishing half a tub of ice-cream."
"It's keeping my head cool. Therefore helping me think rationally. Anyway, um... I'm thinking of paying Maria a visit."
"First off— why? And second she changed her dorm."
"I know the latter part. But do you know why though?" Aiyora asked putting spoonful of ice-cream into her mouth.
Senri sat down beside her.
"Apparently she was having hard time adjusting here and requested the dorm president if she could move... and he agreed."
"Wow! So much has happened, how long was I unconscious for... a month?" This time she fed him a spoonful of the ice-cream.
Personally Senri wasn't quite fond of freezing cold desserts but since his beloved Ai-chan was the one feeding him, he couldn't bring himself to deny.
"Oh it happened yesterday morning. Besides, what do you want with her?"
"I need information on this woman called Hio Shizuka. Who apparently is related to Maria."
"And who is the lady you just mentioned?"
"Our father's fiancée."
Senri stiffed hearing the word 'father' leave her lips. Aiyora isn't supposed to remember him. While it's true that his grand-uncle Shiki Sayatohi told her about their father once, but at the order of the council soon that was changed and her memories had to be erased.
"You remember father?"
"I'm starting to remember things bit by bit. Which is why I have to find her. I want to know from her what kind of person our father was."
"Are you seriously going to look for that man, Ai-chan? He's most likely dead."
"Don't refer to him so disrespectfully! He's our father. Show some respect." Aiyora snapped.
And no... Senri did not see that coming. Which explains the shock that took over his face.
"I don't know if it would be a wise idea." He decided to stick to his earlier opinion.
"Ri-chan, I'm not sure how you feel about father. Your personal feelings towards him are strictly your own business. But in my presence, you are not allowed to talk about him in any demeaning or disrespectful manner; is that understood?"
Disappointed, Senri looked away. The aristocrat found himself in a difficult situation. He couldn't bring himself to fully agree with his half-sister, nor was he in a position to disagree. He barely knew the man who contributed to his birth. Hence why there was no emotion or feelings attached.
Now the question is why does Aiyora feel so strongly for him? What equation did she have with their father?
"Coming!"
Takuma rushed to open the door as the knock kept on getting urgent. Just as his hand landed on the door knob he immediately hesitated, as he finally noticed just who was standing outside of the door.
Yet, reluctantly answered the door. And asked in the most awkward voice possible.
"Aiyora-chan, how may I help you?"
The pureblood in turn flashed him a cheeky grin.
Actually this was the first time the two were interacting in private. Therefore it was only natural for awkwardness to exist, especially when one party knew how low the other was capable of sinking.
"I was told that you have access to all the students file." Aiyora stated as a matter of fact.
"Yes, I do. Why do ask though?"
"I need to borrow—"
"You see, I can't just hand over someone else's file to you."
"If you would have let me finish the sentence, it would have clarified that I'm wasn't going to ask for someone else's file. Just mine. Anyway, I would like to have a look at it... may I?"
"Yes, sure, come on in."
He moved out of the way so Aiyora could enter, and led her towards the locked file cabinet where all night class students files were stored.
Finding Aiyora's file was no hard work. In fact he didn't even have to look. He knew exactly where it was, right with Kaname's file.
He thought for a moment before finally taking it out and handing it over. "Here..."
Aiyora snatched the file from him and asked for a pen. Takuma hesitated, but gave her one anyway. Then quietly observed her and when he understood she was making some changes he immediately called her out.
"Aiyora-chan what are you doing?! You can't change anything in there without Kaname's permission."
"Oops! Already done." She said sarcastically making a childish face before handing back the file.
"Aiyora-chan wait!"
"Good night." She flew a kiss at his direction before turning around on her heels.
Worried, Takuma glanced down to see what kind of changes she made and had his eyes go wide.
"Aiyora-chan... um... yo-you remember—"
"While it's understandable that my real father wasn't the best example of wise vampire to walk the face of this planet. But in my eyes he's still better than his phoney siblings who were using an innocent child for their own personal gain. So no, they don't deserve to be called my parents. Especially that woman!" The word 'woman' left her mouth sounding like she was spitting out poison.
Takuma was about to open his mouth but Aiyora cut him off.
"Don't!" She directly pointed a finger at him. "Don't try to lecture me! When you've never lived in my shoes."
Making her message loud and clear she left. Leaving the blonde feeling confused and conflicted.
The group gathered outside by the lake to discuss about the new mysterious transfer student.
"It seems like Kurenai Maria transferred here officially and took the same vows as we did. Other than that it states that she was born with a weak constitution and she has never attended a soirée. That's about it." Akatsuki loudly read all information from her file.
Hanabusa was facing the lake, lost in deep thought. Aiyora, who was seated between the Aidou and Shiki heir was the first to comment.
"Who puts information like never attending a soirée on a official file. How dumb is she? Even I never attended a soirée, I don't go on advertising it. It's natural to not attend them when you're too young. However if you're old and still haven't attended a soirée, then you're just a loser."
"I don't think that's the point." Senri said putting a poky inside his mouth.
Aiyora shot him a glare before urging the fiery haired vampire to continue.
"There's nothing particularly strange about her. Other than the fact that she is fearless."
"She is fearless?!" Exclaimed Aiyora, rolling her eyes.
"Why are you making that face? Have you forgotten the stunt she pulled on her first day." Senri said looking at her like she was some kind of an idiot.
"You're right! The moment she confronted Aidou-kun, her aura changed to something very different. It was too strong for an aristocrat."
"Hey! Have any of you happen to meet that woman before?" Hanabusa ultimately broke his silence.
"What woman?"
"I'm talking about the pureblood vampire whose lineage is on par with the Kuran family. She disappeared after going crazy. Her name is Hio Shizuka."
"She went missing after the incident with the Kiryu family. Some say she died." Akatsuki added. "Unfortunately I never met her. Is there a reason you're asking?"
Hanabusa then turned to the half siblings to see if either of them had some information to offer.
"The clown I went on a date with revealed she was engaged to my father. So I am kind of searching for her too."
When it was Senri's turn he simply pointed his fingers at Aiyora and stated. "Unlike her I barely knew my father. Let alone knowing his fiancée."
"Alright... let's stop this. Talking about that woman is considered unlucky."
Hanabusa drew the conclusion.
"These are the changes she made." Takuma pointed out while his friend silently studied the file on hand.
The pureblood felt his friend's concerned gaze, carefully observing, but couldn't bring himself to be bothered much about it.
Name: Kuran Aiyora
Status: Pureblood (Level A)
Parentage:- Father: Kuran Rido.
Mother: Unknown for now. [Father had too many mistresses.]
Siblings:- Shiki Senri. [Paternal Half brother.]
Other relatives:-
Kuran Kaname. [Former fiancé/ cousin— maybe?]
Kuran Haruka. [Uncle/ father's brother.]
Kuran Juuri. [Father's sister.]
Kaname arched an eyebrow, clearly amused. Judging by the changes she made, it's quite clear that Aiyora has solved most portion of the puzzle.
Frankly Kaname isn't even surprised. She's a smart girl. It was a matter of time until everything started to unlock for in her mind.
However...
Aiyora recovering her memory means it would push him hundred steps back. Not that he wasn't already behind to begin with. Now she would most certainly give full effort to make everything between them difficult. The gap that he has been trying to narrow down is probably doubled in width once more.
Aiyora may know how unloved she was in the past. But what she doesn't know, is that how much time has changed everything. Nor does she truly understand, or want to understand how he feels for her now, in the present time. And quite honestly, Kaname has no one to blame for this turn out of the event but himself, and probably Kuran Juuri. Her husband Haruka does not deserve to be blamed because he was genuinely looking out for the child. He tried to keep Aiyora away from Kaname, so that she wouldn't grow feelings for him in the future and end up with a broken heart. Whereas Juuri was actively trying to create a messy triangle between Kaname and the two girls. While also playing multiple side games, the end result of which would have been Aiyora getting sacrificed willingly or unwillingly.
Ultimately, after her demise Kaname prolonged this game. In hopes to achieve similar results.
But as the saying goes— karma spares no one. Proved to be true in this case.
People forget the harm they cause others. The one on the receiving end also moves forward in life. However, the nature does not forget. In due time it always return everything with interest. Same happened with the Kuran family. Look where they're standing today. Both Juuri and Haruka are dead. And the person whom they entrusted their only precious daughter to, is shamelessly chasing after the supposed sacrificial lamb.
"Are you alright Kaname?"
"..."
"Kaname...?" Even after the second call there was no response. Which led Takuma to believe his friend didn't want to share the thoughts in mind. "It's okay if don't want to talk about it."
It's obvious that Kaname was done reading the file for a while. Now he was simply sitting on daze and sulking. His dark orbs remained glued to the small photo frame he has recently placed on his table; which contains a picture of young Aiyora sticking her tongue out at the camera.
"By the way, Kaname..." As a responsible friend Takuma tried to do the right thing. Which in the moment was to change the current topic so the other's mind is diverted.
"...what's to be done with the transfer student? You even allowed her to live in the old dorms."
The said pureblood closed the file and moved his focus from the photo-frame to the already setup chessboard. The brunette was in the middle of a game when the blonde came in with the file.
"Well... I suppose you can take care of her Takuma."
"Eh?"
"It will be a problem if I were to do anything openly..." leaning back on his chair the pureblood continued, "...this academy has all the pawns she desires in one place."
"Pawns huh? I guess you could call them that. But is it a coincidence that they're all here?"
"No I arranged things this way." He admitted.
"I see... um..."
Facing his friend Kaname asked, "Is there anything else?"
"I was wondering if you are going to ask Yuuki-chan to the upcoming ball?"
"I have other things in my mind than the ball, Ichijou."
"Pardon me for being blunt Kaname, but I don't want you to lose out on what you have with Yuuki-chan. I can understand you've grown feelings for someone else. But that particular person isn't right for you. Aiyora-chan is a great girl, with a good heart. Yet look what she has done to you. Look what you have turned her into. You both bring out the worst in each other. If this isn't the sign that you two aren't meant to be then what is."
"If you're done with the lecture feel free to see yourself out."
Kaname dismissed Ichijou as his eyes once again returned to the picture-frame.
Frustrated Takuma sighed. As he had the distinct urge to snatch the frame and throw it out of the window.
Aiyora was cleaning her closet when she suddenly stumbled upon an old photo album inside one of the the random drawers. Kaname gifted her the album after she figured out who Yuuki was.
On impulse one of her hand reached out to touch it but retracted back upon realizing what was inside the album.
"Are you alright? Does your head hurt?" Came the voice of a concerned Senri, who was lending her a helping hand this evening.
"Ai-chan?" He called her again.
Still no response. Like a statue she remained frozen on the spot.
The maroon haired boy was panicking inside. Something sure was wrong with her and he just hoped it wasn't physical. The blow she received on the head was fetal. Thank God for her pureblood genes, otherwise she wouldn't have made it out alive.
Dropping the current task in hand Senri rushed to Aiyora's side to check if everything was alright and found her tightly grasping onto what appeared to be an old photo album.
"What''s this?" He tried to take the object out of her grasp.
"Go back to your room. I wish to be left alone for sometime." She pleaded him absently.
"But—"
"Please!" A sound of glass cracking was heard in the background.
Stunned, Senri took a quick step backward and noticed the large crack on the mirror. A sign that the pureblood was losing composure of her emotions.
He looked down in shame as realization finally settled with him— Perhaps the transfer student was right. Because of the damn blood status he will never be enough for Aiyora. No matter how deep his feelings are or how much he care. All he will be able to do is helplessly watch her suffer.
"Let me at least take you to your room." He made the last offer.
"I am in my room. This is my closet."
"I meant allow me to put you to bed."
"Ri-chan..." a tired sigh left her lips as she uttered his name. "What I would truly appreciate now, is some personal space and time alone. Please try and understand."
"Fine."
Closing those greyish blue eyes the Shiki heir also let out a sigh, a defeated one. Things were supposed to better between them when Kuran Kaname was out of the picture. So why the distance? Why did she need space from him of all people? Aren't they supposed to be open book to each other...? So why is shutting him out?
"I guess I'll take my leave."
Aiyora said nothing to that. She simply walked past him, with the album still in her clutch. Senri followed after her, once they were out of the closet the latter walked towards the burning fireplace and the former made his way towards the exit.
As Senri opened the door to leave he came face to face with Kaname, who was standing outside the door concealing his aura.
"She just kicked me out. You can try your luck if you want to."
Kaname chose not to respond, nor did he take the offered advice. He just stood there as the door slowly closed and watched Aiyora throw the old family album into the fire.
Next evening:
Keeping his impassive face intact Kaname walked into the headmaster's office. And found Aiyora, who looked almost ready to explode. It did not take him long to figure out why she was there.
"You summoned me, Chairman Cross?"
"Kaname-kun please come in and grab a seat." Cross also did not appear to be in his usual goofy self. He maintained quite the serious face as he complained about the person already present in his office.
"I'm sorry to pull you out of class like this, but you see, the matter is of utmost importance. Aiyora-chan suddenly showed up in my office and is demanding I change her parents name on my file."
Kaname listened keeping his facial expression absolutely neutral. Fully aware that Aiyora was watching him. And no, he did not have any desire to mess things around this time.
"She wishes to put only Kuran Rido's name on the parentage section. And change Kuran Haruka to uncle. However I insisted her to keep Juuri-san's name as her mother till her real mother's wereabouts found. But my suggestion seems to have offended Aiyora-chan. So please explain to her."
Before Kaname even had the chance to part his lips Aiyora snapped at the headmaster in the rudest manner possible.
"What is he going to explain?! When it has nothing to do with him. Seriously headmaster Cross what were you thinking? That my cousin here will scold me and I'll take back my words. Never! Even if you gather the entire vampire council I will not move an inch from my decision. That whor—." Aiyora was about to utter the word whore but stopped at the last moment and changed it.
"... please excuse me. That woman was never my mother. Nor did she ever intend to be. So please kindly consider my request instead of arguing."
Kaname cleared his throat uncomfortably, realizing the deep mess he has walked into.
"There must be some form of misunderstanding Aiyora-chan. Juuri-san and I go long back. She was actually the person who changed my perspective of vampires. It was her who taught me— not all vampires are evil. There are some who desires to peacefully co-exist with human. This school that you see today, was her dream, which Kaname-kun and I gave our best to turn it into reality. So please I'm urging you... even if she isn't your mother please refer to her with respect. She was your aunt after all."
"Oh please! Don't act as if this damn school is the only place on earth where vampires and humans co-exist. Go check the entertainment industry. Half the population there are vampires working alongside humans. They have been co-existing even before this school was established." Aiyora was so mad that instead of blood she had fire racing inside her veins.
Kaname just sat there rubbing his forehead while the headmaster and Aiyora kept going back and forth with their argument. Cross gazed at him every now and then, expecting the Kuran prince to take his side. But Kaname had his mind made up— to keep his lips sealed... for now.
Even though he often acted like an idiot, doesn't mean that Kaien was actually one. His sharp hunter sense were still very much active today although he quit that job many years ago. Which is why he was easily able to sense Kaname's uneasiness, alongside the fact that the latter was trying to evade the situation.
The longer Kaname stretched the silence, more disappointed Cross became. Because his silence was giving Kuran Aiyora the perfect leeway.
"Aiyora-chan please listen to me calmly, for what I'm about to say is important. From our conversation earlier I'm assuming you already know quite a bit about what went down between your father and his siblings."
Aiyora nodded her head confirming.
"Then you must also know what he has done to his siblings?"
Her silence translated to 'yes'.
"Your father Kuran Rido, murdered their first born in cold blood. He dared to do one of the most heinous crimes of all time, snatching a child from its mother's arms. So you can understand where the bitterness comes from. Yet, they took you in and Juuri-san wanted to raise you like one of her own."
The last line by the headmaster felt like a punch in the gut. Aiyora almost chocked on her own blood; result of her fangs bruising her lips. From the corner of her eyes she glanced at brunette who was just sitting there minding his own business. It added fuel to her already burning fire. Determined to break his silence Aiyora turned to him and demanded.
"Why don't you tell him! Tell him truthfully... did she really want to raise me like one of her own?"
Kaname sighed on the outside while cursing himself inside. His biggest fear for the moment was now knocking at the door. Still, he gave one last shot.
"Aiyora..." He tried to caress her face but she slapped his hand away. Her bold eyes clearly challenging him to take her side for good.
"You said you love me and would do anything for my happiness. Then do it! This is your chance. Tell him the truth NOW!"
Her message was as clear as the water. With no loopholes.
It's either now or never!
"Aiyora-chan, Kaname-kun..."
The confused headmaster tried to intervene but it was if no use. Neither of the pureblood broke away from the intense contact their eyes were locked in.
Kaname gulped. He was familiar with the feeling of pain and guilt— but not like this! Never before has he experienced these emotions to this extent.
Aiyora figured Kaname was contemplating.
In rage she inhaled as much air as she could and held her breath in for a long time before finally letting with shaky exhale.
"Don't worry onii-sama. No pressure... the choice is yours to make. Plus I have no expectation from you to begin with. After all I am the daughter of the arch nemes—"
"My mother's ultimate agenda was to use Aiyora against her father."
Kaname cut her off by starting to speak like a trained parrot before she could even finish. Although his message was for the headmaster but his eyes remained locked with Aiyora, just as her one remained on him.
The headmaster took off his glasses and put them on his desk.
"If needed she was to be sacrificed for the sake our family... especially so that Yuuki and I could live peacefully for the rest of our life. And that was specifically why my mother decided to take her in, going against both mine and my father's decision."
An eerie silence fell over and completely engulfed the already uncomfortable environment. Leaving the only source of sound in the room to be the ticking of the grandfather clock placed against the wall on the right.
For the longest time all three of them sat quietly. None knew what to say. However the former hunter decided to be brave and took the initiative to break the silence which has been lingering for longer than required.
"Aiyora-chan... I'm sorry for—"
"Please don't apologize headmaster. It wasn't your fault. Instead, please accept my apologies for the outburst. I should have kept my manners in check."
Under the table Kaname took hold of her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. But Aiyora paid no attention to him. Instead she continued to explain why she did, what she did.
"...The main reason I came here tonight was so that I could vent out my rage. It was becoming too much to bear. For the last several weeks every time I slept, memories form past unlocked in the form of dreams and I'd wake up either crying or an emotional mess."
"Just to let you know, if you ever need to talk Aiyora-chan my door is always open for you. I may not be your father but I will surely guide you like one."
Kaien's comforting words gave the younger pureblood the courage to open up.
"I don't have much recollection of time in that house. I was too young, plus certain portions of my memories were sealed off..." She paused abruptly to hold back on a sob that was threatening to come out.
"...But even after everything, somehow her smile filled with love, kindness and warmth always stayed with me. It was the only thing that gave me strength to move forward in the Shiki residence. Fast-forward years later what do I learn...? It was all fake. She was only using me."
Upon realizing her hand was in Kaname's grip, Aiyora wasted no time to snatch it free.
"My father killed her child, her hatred was valid, it was reasonable. Perhaps it would have been wise for her to slam the door on the face of person who took me there instead of accepting me, showering me with kindness just so that in due time she could back-stab me. This makes her no better than my father. If my father was bad then she was worst. He at least gave that child painless instant death. Whereas her preference was to make me go through hell before ultimately ending me."
Tears were streaming down her eyes but she couldn't be bothered.
"I may be the enemy's daughter, but like everyone I too have dreams! I also wish to live! And I strongly believe my basic right should not be taken away because of the wrong doing of the person that contributed to my birth."
Both the male occupants in the room didn't even have the guts to blink, let alone speak. Everything the female said was on point. There was no room for argument or anything to counter that.
"Seems like I have said a lot... a lot more than I should have. Forgive me for crossing the line. And thank you for listening to me with an open mind. I understand she was a dear friend of yours, so it must be hard. You don't have to judge her, I'm sure she was great person. It's just sad that her love was never meant for me."
Aiyora concluded, slowly standing up on her feet.
"Anyway... have a good night."
She bowed down slightly to show respect before making her way out.
"Aiyora-chan...?" The headmaster called her just as she was about to open the door. Making her stop and look over the shoulder.
The former hunter put his glasses back on before informing,
"It is done. I have erased Juuri-san's name and replaced it with your biological mother's name."
Aiyora shot him a quizzical look. Wondering how he knew her.
"I know who she is, and so does Kaname-kun." Cross clarified.
A soft smile graced her lips.
"Once again thank you headmaster Cross. But there is no need for that. At this point in life I strictly believe it takes a lot for a person to become a mother, other than just giving birth. So, if possible keep the place empty... in time I will put the name of the one who actually deserves."
Senri calmly followed Seiran's trail as she led him to the dorm president's study. After a quick knock when the permission came from inside, she opened the door and with a motion of her hand signalled him to go in.
Mastering his bravest face the model walked in, although his heart was drying up inside. No, Senri wasn't scared of fighting Kuran Kaname. Because if it comes to that, he, Shiki Senri would also fight back. While it's true that chances of him winning is close to none. Still, he will fight till his last breath for the sake of his Ai-chan.
Truth is the Shiki heir's real fear lies elsewhere. He doesn't fear fighting a powerful opponent but he fears the power and influence his opponent have. Which can lead to many things being removed from Cross Academy is one or having his memories of Aiyora erased is another— perhaps the worst. And that would be the ultimate way one can defeat him.
"Fear not, I have no such plans... yet." Kaname assured, in a soothing voice. While the smirk at the end of his lips suggested otherwise. "I simply want to talk. Close the door and take a seat."
Just because the pureblood said that he only wants to talk doesn't mean Senri could fully relax. Because the last time they spoke, the conversation ended with the pureblood crushing the ceiling over his head and injuring him. Only God knows what's awaiting this time.
Pushing back all negative thoughts and feelings Senri closed the door behind his form and marched towards the dorm president's desk.
From the time Senri took his seat, it was as if time started to race. Soon the seconds turned to minutes. But the cousins still remained silent. The silence that turned thicker with every passing minute.
In order to avoid the pureblood's piercing gaze the aristocrat attempted to look around. There were some great paintings hanging on the wall. And took his sweet time to elaborately study each painting in hopes that his superior cousin would go back to chess game by the time he is done. While studying the paintings Senri came to another conclusion about his cousin— for a man Kaname was quite neat and tidy. Unlike Takuma who often leaves his underwear lying on the floor.
He cast another quick glance at Kaname only to find him still staring at the small photo-frame on his desk. Senri didn't even have to ask who he was watching with such longing gaze. The reflection on his dark orbs revealed it to be a picture of young Aiyora sticking her tongue out at the camera.
"I have another frame, placed on my bedside table... with a picture of her foolishly grinning." Kaname took the initiative to break the tensed silence by speaking in a friendly tone.
"What's the point?"
"So that her face is the first and last thing I see everyday."
"I don't think any of these would make a difference to Ai—"
"It's not for her! I'm doing this for myself."
"Oh I see..."
Kaname did not know how else to explain. He
had once been ignorant and only looked at the picture from one side— Yuuki's safety. Time has cured him from that phase. But that isn't enough. Because now it was costing him everything. Chances are he will never earn a place inside Aiyora's heart and that realization has been chewing him up from the inside.
Senri had no desire to waste his morning here in the dorm president's company. So he decided to get down to business. The faster it's dealt with the sooner he can leave this accursed room.
"So what did you want to talk about?"
With great deal of effort Kaname concealed all his emotions and responded.
"Aiyora's safety."
"What about it...?" The younger male arched an eyebrow out of curiosity.
"You see Shiki..." Kaname finally removed his eyes from the photo-frame and put his full focus on the other vampire. "...my relationship with Aiyora has become quite complicated."
"Define complicated." Senri may have normally spoken but there was a slight hint of demand in his voice, which the pureblood intentionally chose to ignore. Reminding himself constantly— Now isn't the time.
Kaname darted out his tongue and ran it over his dried lips to moisten them. His mind trying to put all the words together. But found nothing. After all how could a conservative person like him verbally describe everything to a cousin with whom he is not even that close.
For sure it would need some courage.
Ultimately gathering all his required courage he pulled out the special gift Aiyora had given him, from his pocket.
"Do you recognize this?"
Senri's expression hardened. He didn't need to be told whose it was. The smell emanating from it was enough.
"How did you get a hold of this?!" The younger male demanded through gritted teeth.
"It was a gift from her."
Senri's hands resting on his lap clenched the fabric of his pant.
"When did she give that to you? On the night of Ichijou's—"
"The evening before actually." Kaname corrected.
"How am I supposed to know that you're not lying or didn't steal that from her or worst— you forcefully took it."
Kaname chuckled at the accusations.
Deep down Senri was desperately hoping and praying for Kaname's words to be nothing but a lie.
But alas!
"I maybe a bad person, but not a vile one. Besides... you already know, your heart can sense it, that I am telling the truth."
Irritated, Senri looked away to give his broken heart some time to process all the information he was just ambushed with.
"Listen to me very carefully Shiki, for what I'm about to say is very important. And please do listen with an open mind and try not to let any of my words get to you."
The said boy did not understand the meaning behind this warning but braced himself regardless.
Maintaining as much neutrality as possible Kaname told him everything. He started from the beginning when he wanted nothing to do with Aiyora's very existence... to how he was trying to win her over for personal agenda... while doing so, eventually he started to thirst for her blood. Soon the thirst for blood brought along all other kinds of thirst. Then with time the thirst blossomed into love. However during this time Aiyora matured and understood her position in his life and started to take full advantage of it.
Kaname avoided the details but gave Senri a vague idea about what sort madness went on behind the closed doors. On some occasions Senri pushed for more details but Kaname' kept his lips sealed. After all how could he tell an aristocrat that his former fiancée used to walk over his bare back wearing high-heels. It's utterly embarrassing.
"You have to understand the main problem here is Aiyora now knows me more than I know myself. On her own she has figured out my all weaknesses. And from what I know of her... she wouldn't hesitate to use it. Just the way she felt no remorse to use it on the evening of Ichijou's birthday... or the time when she went to the council to press legal charges against me. However that over-confidence almost cost her, her life. Toma is not a level head personality—"
"Wait! What kind of charges did she press?" Senri interrupted.
"Rape."
"She accused you of rape...?!"
Kaname quietly nodded his head, confirming.
This was wrong. Spectacularly wrong! Senri refused to believe a word of it. This cannot be true. The pureblood was lying. In an attempt to draw a wedge between them.
"No! Ai-chan would never do something despicable." Senri protested. "I know her! I've known her since she was a child. She's incapable of doing something so evil."
"We vampires are creatures of the dark. Darkness is something that resides within us whether we like it or not. And your Ai-chan is no different. It's completely understandable for you to not believe me, however do tell me if you have noticed that Ichijou and Aiyora aren't on talking terms."
"I've noticed something."
"And you never wondered why?"
The blood inside Senri's vein ran cold.
"What was her motive?"
"Simple... she used those allegations to end her our engagement."
"And you accepted them without retaliation?"
Kaname admitted simply nodding his head and added. "Just because she decided to throw me into the fire doesn't mean I will do the same."
"But why take the blame when it wasn't your fault? You got nothing in return."
"Would you believe me if I told you it was the only way to save her."
There was a moment of silence before Senri end up asking naively.
"Did she apologize to you afterwards...?"
The question made Kaname to laugh. Something that's usually an anomaly.
"No..." clearing his throat and gaining his composure the pureblood continued. "...we haven't technically spoken since then. Anyway let's finish from where I left off..."
Kaname went back to explain more about what happened between Aiyora and the heir of the Toma family. How their lovely date came to an end with bloodshed. Senri listened carefully, absorbing in as much as he could. The aristocrat was also filled in on what happened last night at the headmaster's office. Of course the details about Yuuki and Juuri were left out on. The main problem addressed was Aiyora's growing weakness for her father. And this was one sector where Senri could actually connect with Kaname. He told the pureblood about Aiyora's current obsession about their father.
"She snapped at me the other day for disrespecting that man. Also warned me never to repeat that in front of her."
"What did you say in return?"
"Nothing."
"And why is that?"
"I don't think my words would have made any difference. If anything they would have further upset her."
"I see..."
Curtains were drawn on Rido's topic. But for now only.
This was the first time the cousins had a long civil conversation. For Kaname it felt like he was chatting with a brother. And strangely it brought a warm feeling into his heart.
"I was wondering why you chose me to open up to, we're not even close."
"Because you are the only one who will understand me. After all our feelings for her are the same... aren't they?"
"I don't lust after her like a caveman!"
"It's not my fault that she smells breathtaking." Kaname tried to joke. "Tell me honestly have you never wondered what her blood tastes like?"
"..."
"Or... how would it feel to... love her physically? Of course after she matures."
"You're disgusting!"
Kaname smirked victoriously. "Turns out we're not too different. But at least I'm honest."
Senri wanted to put a full-stop before the conversation went down that lane. But the question which was sitting at the tip of his tongue all this time forced itself out of his lips.
"What is it that you actually feel for her? Is it love or some form of intense perverse lust?"
Kaname shot the aristocrat a look before turning his chair to look outside the window.
"To be completely honest, I do not know the exact name of this feeling. I will admit that it started with lust. But it keeps changing to obsession... fixation... mania... addiction you name it. All I can tell you is that whatever this feeling maybe, it is so intense and unhealthy that it is going to put Aiyora's safety in jeopardy. My greed has gone to a level where in her presence my brain can no longer distinguish between the right and wrong. Which is why I'm afraid if something is not done sooner..."
The sentence was purposely left incomplete for the Shiki heir to interpret.
"So tell me, do you believe you're capable enough to save Aiyora?"
"...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."
Maria's words rang in his head like an alarm. She directly told him that as an aristocrat he would never be enough for a pureblood. So why was Kuran Kaname making different proposition?
"How can I possibly save her, a pureblood while I'm just an aristocrat."
"You aren't just an aristocrat. You're a part Kuran. You may not be a pureblood but for sure in rank you are above all other aristocrats."
Kaname's words gave Senri the encouragement he needed.
"But what about the night class? Thanks to you— they give us weird looks every time I'm anywhere near Ai-chan."
"Which is why I would like to assign you as Aiyora's personal guard. So that you can be by her side at all time with no questions asked or eyebrows raised."
The usually bored blue-grey eyes widened in surprise.
"Don't get ahead of yourself... there is something I would like to ask for in exchange." The depth of his voice made the aristocrat feel uncomfortable.
"What is it?"
"Can you somehow make me one of Aiyora's friend."
Senri eyed him suspiciously. Unsure of whether the pureblood is to be fully trusted. Too bad he was facing the window. So Senri couldn't even get a glimpse of his face.
"Trust me I have no ulterior motive... I just want a little space in her heart. Even if it is through platonic friendship."
"I think that can be done. Ai-chan has a kind heart I'm sure she will come around."
"Thank you... Shiki-kun." A small smirk graced the pureblood's lips. Something which the other definitely could not see. However for now that didn't matter as much.
Aiyora woke at the feeling of someone caressing her face. Her intuition turned out to be correct. Indeed there was someone present in her room, sitting on the side of her bed to be more specific.
Shaking away the sleep Aiyora pulled herself to a sitting position.
"Maria-san! What are you doing here?"
"Did I scare you?" The aforementioned girl inquired in a childish voice.
"No, but taken me by surprise for sure."
"Oh I'm sorry." Maria bit a finger like a confused child trying to figure out her mistake.
"Don't be. Just state your game."
"What do you mean Aiyora-chan? I only came because deep down in my heart I felt you search for me."
"I admit, I certainly did want to meet you. But that doesn't mean you can sneak into my room and spook me. So..." she pointed a finger towards the door. "...show yourself out for now. We'll talk in the evening, if I'm in the mood."
Fixing her pillows Aiyora was about to lay down when she noticed Maria didn't do as she was told. Instead was smiling menacingly, while her aura transformed into something deep, dark and supremely powerful.
What's going on?! Aiyora did not want to feel frightened, but she did. She was terrified. And hoped no matter what it didn't show in her face. If there's one thing she learned from that date— it is to not underestimate the unknown.
"Kuran Aiyora... your sight is sure a treat for the eyes."
Aiyora noted how different the person sounded all of a sudden. One thing was confirmed, this isn't Maria, it cannot be.
Aiyora tried not to flinch when Maria placed some locks of her hair behind her ear.
"You know Aiyora, your father told me many lies. But the one time he didn't lie was when he described you."
Aiyora's face turned ghostly pale. "Hio Shizuka...?"
"That's me, little one."
A/N: Thankyou all for reading hope you guys enjoyed. If there's any question or confusion feel free to ask.
