Chapter 68


"Aiyora-chan?! What are you doing?" Maria exclaimed, having her jaw dropped and eyes gone wide. Totally not expecting the scene she has just walked into.

"Are you blind? Can't you see that I am disinfecting our living room. Now cover your nose fast! The smell is very strong you'll feel sick."

The aristocrat quickly placed both her hands to cover up her nose and mouth with it. Now it made sense as to why the Pureblood was wearing a light blue medical mask as she sprayed their living room with a large bottle of aerosol. But why was she disinfecting the living room in the first place?

"What are you disinfecting it for?" Maria asked through muffled voice. Thanks to the gift of acute hearing, the pureblood heard it crystal clear.

"I'm getting rid of the Hunter germs." Aiyora replied. Then pointed at the couch, "That filth-bag slept here last night and had his breakfast in the morning right here! Who does that?! Disgusting!"

Maria wanted to laugh but held back. In her opinion Aiyora was being overly dramatic for no reason. She was just looking excuses to throw the Hunter out. But refrained herself fearing association's retaliation. While they may not be able to detain her for throwing one of their own out of her house, but nothing says they can't interfere with her award. Surely they can frame her for something and have the award taken away. And Aiyora was very paranoid about it; which is why she came up with a plan where the Hunter would see himself out.

So far... it does not seem to be working.

The first two days involved a lot of staring contest between both parties. From day three they began picking on each other. Especially Aiyora— she went above and beyond to make the Hunter's stay a living hell. He wasn't allowed to eat with them, he wasn't allowed to sit with them etc.

Then she started coming up with new rules. No drinking in the house, no eating meat in the house. That's when Kaito lost it and began to blatantly disobey.

She banned drinking— he drank directly from the bottle.

She banned eating meat— he ate big chunks of meat right in front of her face. Not even bothering to wipe the sauce that dripped from the meat and onto the floor.

Losing her temper one evening Aiyora used her powers and completely rot his food. Making it inedible. That gave Kaito the chance he was looking for— to draw his weapon.

And no, he didn't draw any guns or knives. He drew a freaking chainsaw on her. Overwhelmed with being frightened and offended simultaneously Aiyora lost her temper which resulted in the chandelier behind Kaito to come down and drop on Maria, who was coming to diffuse the situation.

It worked!

The situation was diffused but with a lot of tension still remaining.


Maria suffered a few deep cuts. While it maybe no big deal to others, but for her weak body it could be have been dangerous. Thankfully it didn't come to that point, as the pureblood used her powers and healed the aristocrat instantly.

In return it only fueled her hatred for the Hunters. Not just the scumbag that was staying with them, but towards the entire race. To start off, Aiyora was never fond of their kind. Just the way as Hunters, it's their natural instinct to have the constant urge to kill vampires. Similarly, her vampiric senses and instincts made her repulsive to their aura.

Even though she only met a handful of them till now, it was enough to give her an idea of how the rest were.

Cross Kaien — although isn't as bad as the rest, but his Juuri worshiping trait takes away a lot of the positive points.

Yagari Toga — also known as Eyepatch by the night class students, is someone whom Aiyora found to be quite professional. However his rustic appearance disturbed her eyes. He looked dirty and nasty, in other words someone with serious hygiene issues who hasn't bathed in months.

Then there's the odd hybrid (of hunter and soon to be level-E) Kiryu. All these time Aiyora honestly thought it couldn't get any worse. Him, his angry eyes, his disgusting aura and the pathetic attitude he carried around. It irked her to the point where, her hands practically twitched to strangle him, every time they crossed path at the academy.

Oh! But she was proven wrong.

Aiyora had no idea how deeply she could hate someone, till she came upon this specimen by the name Takamiya Kaito. Meeting Kaito, Aiyora realized there was something in this guy's presence that gave her skin the ugly itch.

He's the combination of all the worst traits. He not only has gruff, sarcastic personality; above that, it's quite obvious that he is an unethical person. Who's doesn't hesitate to show his ruthless side to Maria. Practically bullying her all the time!

Ever since he came to live with them, he has been treating Maria like she's his slave.

Then again she is at fault too. Who asked her to make him breakfast?!

Aiyora clearly warned her to steer clear of the Hunter's path and he never asked for anything either. It was the aristocrat that voluntarily offered to make him breakfast and the ungrateful bastard— instead of saying thank you, made her redo the omelette three times.

And to say that the Hunter Association didn't even think twice before sending a man like him after two young girls shows their credibility.

Rather it further emphasizes that— its a stupid organization run by some headless chicken.


While the Kuran pureblood was too busy being annoyed at the situation thrown at them, by the hunters. Her friend who's solo task at the moment was to just be the observer, noticed some interesting…very interesting indeed.

The Hunter has been watching Aiyora. Watching her more than what his work required him to do so. It's been going on since the third day of his arrival.

Interesting thing was— even when glaring at her in disdain, Kaito was still somehow checking out her rear while she practiced Yoga in the terrace or in the living room.

The aristocrat may have watched it from far, but her keen vampiric senses picked up all the little details his body was giving away. For example his heart thumped the loudest every time she did the split sit. Side ways or front both excited him. He also felt blood-rush whenever she stood on her palms and raised her legs vertically up to do the scissors motions with them.

He purposely appeared close by every time Aiyora did any sort of risky moves that had chances of falling. It was his misfortune that she was very flexible and skilled, so no slip-ups happened… like he had hoped for.


Maria couldn't keep it in herself for any longer. The words were practically struggling to come out. So she decided to have a chat with her friend regarding the discovery.

The following evening she walked —no, more like jogged— to the terrace the with great enthusiasm. Aiyora was there, at the centre, sitting on a lilac yoga mat dressed in matching yoga outfit. Currently meditating, after completing the sets of her afternoon yoga.

The aristocrat hopped on the swing-chair, placed across where the pureblood was.

"I've notice something Aiyora-chan…" Maria began wiggling her legs like an excited little girl. Aiyora said nothing but Maria knew she was listening.

"The Hunter likes to watch you."

"Tell me something I don't know." Opening one eye briefly the Pureblood cast the aristocrat an all knowing look.

"You knew?!" Maria pouted. Not expecting such bland expression. Where was the excitement?

"Even a blind human will be able to feel his gaze. He is that obvious… or…" she thought for a moment to draw out her conclusion. "…so shameless for the matter."

"So what is your take on it?"

Raising her head the pureblood inhaled deeply. Held the air inside her for few good seconds before letting it go.

"He can watch me all he wants to and masterbate in the shower. It makes no difference to me. I don't care!"

"Wow that was quite—"

"Ruthless? I know." Aiyora finished the sentence for Maria. "That's precisely what I was aiming to be."

Maria quieted down, appearing to be in deep thought as she observed her friend.

In her personal opinion Aiyora needs a man in her life that isn't Shiki Senri or Kuran Kaname. While Shiki Senri was a good candidate but Aiyora's feelings for him runs too deep. He is her biggest weakness. Which in this case can be very problematic. As it would make him her enemies biggest target. Let's say by good fortune nothing happens now, there will still be problems in the future. Senri maybe the highest ranking aristocrat but he still isn't a pureblood. They're not equals. She will outlive him. There will come a time when he will have to leave her side. What will happen to Aiyora then? Who will hold her back from falling into despair.

In this aspect Kuran Kaname outshines the previous candidate. Many would even argue no one is a better suited candidate for Aiyora than him. And Maria wholeheartedly agrees with them. Problem is, Aiyora herself isn't sure about where she stands with him. She certainly enjoys the thrill of their cat and mouse chase. But doesn't want to commit to him. Then again the physical attraction between them is too strong to make them stay loyal to others.

For these reasons Maria firmly believes Aiyora needs someone new, a fresh face who would bring newness into her life.

"If you look carefully, you'd see, he isn't bad looking. On top of that he kind of resembles Shiki-kun." She threw in the words.

Aiyora shot her eyes open, now fully alarmed. Her gaze was borderline turning into a glare.

"What are you insinuating?"

"You and him won't look bad together."

Aiyora frowned.

Sadly, Maria was too invested into her match making game to take notice. She thought she was helping her friend. Not even remotely aware of how it would impact the other female.

"He's like Shiki-kun but better—"

"Don't you dare compare that cockroach to Ri-chan!" Aiyora snapped. She didn't scream but there was a coldness to her tone that sent chill down the aristocrats spine. She knew her friend's intention wasn't bad but the comparison she drew was wrong.

"You're suggesting I drop my standards and enter a relationship with a Hunter. Have you gone mad?! ARE YOU EVEN HEARING YOURSELF? COME BACK TO YOUR SENSES NOW!"

Maria quickly apologized, hanging her head low.

A tense silence fell between them. Neither had expected a light jokingly conversation to take such turn. Now they were left in this awkward mess, with one feeling fear and embarrassment while the other was drowning in guilt.

Thing is, this silence couldn't last forever. One has to break it. In this case Aiyora decided to be the one to do it. Since she was the one who snapped and made it come to this.

Sighing she stood up and joined her friend on the swing chair, cuddling her from behind. It was large enough to hold the two them with ease.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."Maria apologized again.

"I'm sorry too." Aiyora breathed deeply burying her face into the other female's neck. "I shouldn't have snapped. It's just that I've been on edge since that pig arrived. When you suggested about him and I, my head couldn't take it. Especially the comparison."

"My intention wasn't to hurt your feelings Aiyora-chan. I only want you to find happiness. Giving up on Shiki-kun was extremely tough for you. Even if you don't admit it. And I don't want you to live the rest of your life with that pain in your chest. So seeing the similarities in their appearance made me suggest the idea. I hope you understa—"

Maria's attempt at defending herself was cut short as Aiyora silenced her with a deep kiss on the cheek and tightened their hug. It got to a point where it was starting to hurt Maria, still she said nothing. After all it's considered a privilege for an aristocrat to be showered with love and affection from a pureblood.

"Aiyora-chan..."

"Huh...?"

"He's watching us."

The pureblood followed the aristocrat's gaze and saw the Hunter standing behind the glass-door at the entrance of the terrace; watching them, more like watching her.

Their eyes locked for a second before Aiyora turned back and buried her face deeper into the neck she was nuzzling earlier. Least bothered by the heated gaze grazing her skin.

"Let him enjoy the show."


Few days later Maria was approached by Kaito. He quietly appeared behind her and just stood there as she stood on the terrace, sipping hot chocolate while enjoying the thunderstorm.

After a long time he cleared his throat to get her attention. The girl turned and jumped with fright. Not expecting to find the Hunter, standing less than a hand gap away.

"Oh you scared me Takamiya-san."

He didn't even apologize.

"Anyway, how can I help you?"

"Your friend is sleeping." The Hunter stated, like he was pointing out an anomaly.

In his defence, it was kind of true. As the time was past midnight and vampires never sleep at such hours.

"Um… Aiyora-chan has her exams starting tomorrow. She spent the morning in the library studying." It was a well rehearsed excuse, that Maria had to deliver because she was expected to give the person an answer.

In reality, Aiyora was facing other problems due to which she used her own powers on herself that knocked her out and helped her sleep for longer hours, sometimes days.

"A pureblood that's studying to be a lawyer. What's her game? To drink down criminals?"

His comment pissed Maria off. How dare he judge her friend! What gives him the right?! He knows nothing about Aiyora's personal life and her struggles. He was solely basing his idea on the fact that she's a pureblood vampire. But no! Aiyora's is so much more than being a pureblood vampire. She's a true friend. A good person who wants to standby those who have no one beside them. She is also someone who uses her privilege to make a difference to the society. How many purebloods have done that so far?! Not one that Maria can think of. Even Kuran Kanaame, who alongside Cross Kaien opened the Night Class in Cross Academy with the idea to promote peaceful co-existence between the two races, hardly made any contribution to the society for betterment of those in need.

That being said, the fact that she even thought of a possible match between Aiyora and this scumbag made her want to chop off her own head in shame.

"That was very rude of you Takamiya-san. I can understand that as a Hunter you feel compelled to hate us. However, that doesn't give you the right to jump into conclusion when know nothing about us or our kind. We are also people with emotions, struggles, sentiments. While a handful of us also have weak health."

"Oh I know a lot about your race. You all are nothing but vicious blood thirsty monster that lives under the guise of beautiful skin. All you do is destroy lives and tear families apart just to feed your appetite."

His last sentence caught her attention.

"Are you by chance referring to your brother's situation?" Maria boldly asked. Knowing it was a sensitive topic she was venturing into and could bring in catastrophic results.

The Hunter's shoulders stiffed at the mention of his late big brother, Takamiya Taito. Who, like him was also a Hunter, but an unfortunate crossed path with a pureblood vampire turned him into a level-E. In the end it was Kaito who had end his life.

"I'm sure it was though. You needed a lot of courage to deliver the blow to take his life."

Shocked, he was about to ask how she knew. But Maria didn't give him the chance to open his mouth.

"Aiyora-chan told me. She did some digging into your past after you came to stay with us." The aristocrat revealed without sparing any attention to the shocked face the Hunter just made.

Kaito had to force himself to take even breaths as he stared at the vampire as she walked past him.

"My guess would be… that's where she was able to relate to you."

A what do you mean? look graced his face.

"After all, she too had to devour her father."

His brows creased together and his frown grew deeper.

"Definitely it was the most difficult decision both of you had to take in life. But I'm sure it's a lot less painful than having to watch someone else do it."

Kaito said nothing, even though there was a lot he wanted to say. His mouth opened couple times still he found himself at loss of words.

Ultimately giving up, he returned to his room and slammed the door shut.


That night Kaito lay awake in bed, tossing and turning as sleep refused to take over.

Abandoning the idea to get any sleep he simply lay flat on his back. Eyes filled with emotion and yet staring absently at the ceiling.

His mind plagued with the thoughts of the pureblood vampire. Remembering the very first time he had seen her — on his way back to the association, returning from a successful mission of taking down two level-Es. He stopped at the departmental store to grab a can of soda. And there, right beside the cash register she was — her picture on a magazine cover.

At first sight he found her to be attractive. So attractive that he couldn't take his eyes off of the magazine. He vaguely remembered the woman behind the register telling him that it was the last copy of the magazine left. And in fear of losing out, he purchased the magazine.

He knew it from first glance — she's no human — cannot be! No human is that beautiful. In addition to that, as a hunter he knew how to differentiate between the two. Appearance and they way they carried themselves was the key giveaway.

Still, the naive boy in him hoped. It hoped, by some miracle she turns out human. As it would lessen the guilt by some measures for feeling the attraction towards a monster.

But alas! His prayers fell into deaf ears. Hope crushed under the feet like a bug.

He got the confirmation about her true identity from Jinmu. When the latter walked into his room to grab a can of beer and found the magazine on his bed, atop the pillow.

The irony of the situation gave the senior Hunter a good laugh. He laughed directly on the younger male's face for developing a crush on the same kind of monster that took his brother away from him.

The shame and heartache Kaito felt that night, left injuries within him which didn't heal till today.

Perhaps it will never heal!


The remaining few days that he had left in hand, Kaito spent them in observing the two vampires. Keeping his focus mostly set on the pureblood.

Sometimes their gaze would meet and she'd flash him a flirtatious smile. Outraged, he look away or walk away. Only to return sometime later and watch her again.

In doing so, he made some tremendous discoveries of information that will definitely come handy in future.

He learned that the pureblood has a soft spot, a caring side which only comes out when Kurenai Maria is at her weakest state. Truth be told Kaito was taken aback when one evening he almost walked in on the scene of the aristocrat drinking from the pureblood's palm. Although the act disgusted him, he couldn't look away. Instead remained there, hidden in the corner, and watched. It strangely reminded him of a loving mother taking care of her weak daughter.

And he wondered how was it possible? To his knowledge purebloods give nothing! They only take! Whilst here, right before his eyes the opposite was taking place.

Could it be that she is different…? Different from other purebloods? Like she's more human.

The thought ran across his mind.

No that's impossible!

Shaking his head Kaito returned to his room. Angry at himself for unconsciously thinking so highly of those monsters.


Then another day…

Kaito woke up early in the morning and as usual went to the kitchen to grab something to eat. To his surprise, the kitchen wasn't empty this morning. The main blood-sucker was there, making breakfast.

He found the scene extremely odd and had to take a moment to process it. He didn't know what to make of a pureblood that made breakfast.

Noticing a presence entering the kitchen Aiyora turned, and offered a courteous smile.

"Good morning." She greeted softly.

He greeted back after an awkward pause. "Um… morning."

"Here, this is for you." Right away she passed him a plate, decorated with what looked like a freshly made vegetable sandwich, an omelette and some slices of seasonal fruits.

He was caught off guard by her sudden kind gesture. Therefore continued to eye the plate suspiciously.

Aiyora noticed. Suppressing the smile that made it's way onto her lips, she rolled her eyes. Finding the situation absolutely hilarious. Obviously the man was dying of hunger. His stomach was grumbling. Yet he was standing there, debating whether he should accept the beautifully decorated, offered plate just because it came from a vampire.

Such a Hunter trait!

Ultimately he caved in. Way too hungry to pass on a plate full of food that was literally calling out to him. He then noticed two glasses filled up with juices, and went to pick the one on the right. But she caught his hand midway.

"This one has blood mixed in." She handed him the other glass. "Here, this is for you."

Kaito took the glass but his suspicious gaze didn't leave her.

"Whose blood?"

The pureblood was in the midst of taking a sip from her own juice but paused, to shoot him a look that demanded— why do you care? But soon realized, it's his job to care. He's a hunter after all.

So she told him the truth. "Mine."

"You drink your own blood?" His face made an expression that clearly showed he was judging.

At first Aiyora was offended. She even got the distinct urge to give him a piece of her mind. Her face puffed up and eyes enlarged in rage. Given the chance she'd chew him up and spit his bones out. However, after a moment of rational thinking she realized, it was pointless. He wouldn't understand how their thirst works. How deeply it's connected to feelings like— urges, longing, love and passion. And trying to explain it to him, a Hunter, would be an insult to her intelligence.

So she backed out. A wiser move rather than wasting her time and energy on something useless. Then grabbing her plate and picking up her glass she marched towards the dining table.

Kaito followed her trail and sat across from her at the table.

"You drink your own blood?" He repeated the question, genuinely confused.

A pureblood that drinks their own blood?! Never has he heard of or seen something so absurd.

"Is that a crime? Are you going to execute me for it?" Aiyora taunted, taking a bite of her food.

"I'm just trying to make sense." He admitted. Seemingly lost and curious to some extent.

"You see pureblood vampires don't sink their fangs into any random person without a reason. Yes, it's a different story back in the days. At that time they were focused on increasing their population in order to grow in numbers, to create armies and slaves. Now the situation is different. Let's take the Kiryu's incident for example— they executed Shizuka's lover and she avenged him. As for your brother…"

Aiyora trailed off awkwardly. She noticed the Hunter's shoulder go rigid at the mention of his late brother. But he was quick to recover and conceal his emotions behind an impassive mask. Doing his level best to show he didn't care.

Lucky for him, she had the maturity to understand how sensitive the topic is to him. So she intentionally paused, to give him time to process.

When it seemed like he was ready to listen, Aiyora resumed. Clearing her throat she picked up from where it was left off.

"Take my advice and investigate the matter throughly. Perhaps then you will understand why he got bitten."

"Have you found something?"

"I'd be lying if I told you I didn't come across information that seem shady. But it's best if you take a look into the matter yourself, over listening to someone else, especially a vampire."

The Hunter clenched his jaw tightly. But the vampire carried on, tactfully diverting the topic.

"Anyhow... you see, for pureblood vampires their first preference in blood is the blood of their loved ones. The deeper the love and connection the satisfying it is. The blood of the person they love is the only blood that can quench their thirst. If there's no lover in the picture, they'd drink from close family members and friends. If there's no family and friends, then they'd go for blood of other vampires— aristocrats mostly.

It's quite rare for pureblood vampire to sink their fangs into regular vampires and humans. They have a class to maintain. Although exceptions do exist."

Her voice weighed heavy at this point. In spite of it, she managed to continue.

"Take my father for example— that man had no standard! All he needed was a body to sink his fangs and a woman whose legs he could just part and go in."

"Let me guess, you're embarrassed?!" Kaito asked without thinking.

"No, I'm not embarrassed." She retaliated.

He noticed, her eyes were settled on the plate, hand playing with the food in absent mind.

She may not be embarrassed but there were definitely other emotions raging inside her. And he wanted to find out what it was.

"To be honest I'm angry. My father wouldn't have turned out this way. Not if his own family turned their back on him. They took away his purpose of life and eventually he lost track and gave into insanity. In simple words he's a potential wasted."

"You seem to feel quite strongly about your father. Do you plan to avenge him?" Kaito didn't know why he asked other than the fact he was genuinely curious to know about this girl.

However, Aiyora's face changed. Her demeanour turned cold. Those pretty blue eyes surrounded by long dark lashes now looked dead.

"Rest assured, I won't cause a massacre like Hio Shizuka if that's what you're worried about. I am a fair person. Hence why, I am conveying this message to the association president... through you."

"What message?" Not able to figure out where she's headed, the Hunter furrowed his brows. But he must admit, in that moment the girl indeed looked as insane as her father had the reputation for.

"When you return, make sure to tell Cross Kaien to bring his daughter back home."

There was an underlying threat to her tone, which perked the Hunter's curiosity.

Initially he had to take a moment to understand whom she was referring to. Only then he remembered, the association president's adopted daughter— who happens to be a vampire now.

"And if I don't…?"

"Don't get me wrong Kaito-san. I'm actually making this suggestion for her betterment, for her better future. You have to understand, the time isn't far away when the darkness in me will start to destroy her. Unfortunately, the person responsible for protecting her, like her mother made the arrangements, will just stand on the sideline and watch like a responsibility-less bystander."

Kaito had no idea what she was talking about but the intensity of her voice gave him the idea she was up to no good. But here's the best part— he didn't care! It was pureblood versus pureblood. Vampire fighting one another. They could tear each other apart, he could care less.

"So, as a responsible father Cross-san should take measures from now. Rather than cry later and point his blaming finger at me."

Kaito said nothing.

Thus the conversation proceeded no further.

The two simply ate in silence for the reminder of the time.


A.N. Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed. This chapter showed a lot of Kaito and his interaction with Aiyora. They will definitely have more interactions in the future. I'm not sure whether it will ever bloom into friendship or anything more. Guess we'll see as the story progress into the manga timeline. Let me know what you think so far.

Reply to guestwithreviews: Oh please don't apologize. My update was about five months delayed.

Not sure if I was able to portray Kaito well. But here he is. Hopefully I didn't make him too ooc. For a long time I wanted to explore their interaction. More will definitely come in the manga timeline.

Maria and Aiyora did have talks about Senri and Ichiru. Most likely it was mentioned few chapters back. She's the only person with whom Aiyora opened up, because out of everyone Maria would understand her pain. As she had fair share of pain in this aspect. I'm sure it wasn't easy watching Ichiru pine over Shizuka and ultimately allowing Zero to devour her.

As for her jumbled up situation with Kaname and Senri (especially Kaname) will be further explored when she returns home; which is coming up soon.

Kaien is just trying to be a good father to Yuuki and looking out for her best interest. Which he believes is with Kaname. I think his biases is prompting him to see Aiyora as the third wheeler, the problem. Yuuki on the other hand is trying to hold onto Kaname with everything. She only knows the loving Kaname she's known she was a child.

I know I haven't shown much of the blood drinking. But that's mostly due to the fact that Aiyora's away. These issues will all be addressed once Aiyora returns home.

Reply to Belle: I hope you enjoyed the latest chapter as well. Aiyora definitely could have taken the same path as Yuuki, but you see she's stubborn and her hatred for Juuri is pushing her to do things differently.