A.N. Something is wrong with this site in my country. This chapter was somehow taken down so I had to re-upload. If you get a new update notification please ignore as it's the same chapter 69.
Apologies for the inconvenience, but good news, next chapter will be updated in the next 2 to 3 weeks.
Chapter 69
Finally it was the day of the event.
The day that vampires would always recall with pride and their hunters counterparts, in shame. As it's the day, Kuran Aiyora would mark her name in history, for being the first monster to receive the best Human Of The Year award for her outstanding contribution to humanity at such young age.
After getting ready herself, Maria walked into Aiyora's room to see if she needed help with anything. But surprisingly found pureblood was almost ready.
"Are you nervous?" Asked Maria, pulling a chair behind the pureblood and sitting down.
"Excited actually." Aiyora quipped.
Whether she actually meant it or was being sarcastic, Maria couldn't tell. So she decided to watch quietly, without disturbing her.
Aiyora was coating her lashes with mascara to have the falsies blend in with her original lashes. Followed by, picking up a bold fuchsia lipstick in matte formula, dabbed them on her lips. And to finish off she chose her signature perfume and spritz it over her pulse points. Then, ultimately she stood up, walked to her closet and a moment later came out dressed in simple cut slip dress in light pink colour, that goes past bellow her knees. For footwear, she wore pair of royal blue high-heel strapped sandals which perfectly contrast with her outfit but matches her nails.
Maria was mesmerized. Aiyora never fails to impress her or anyone for the matter.
Generally Purebloods are synonymous to the word beautiful. To them it's just another quality that they are born with. But as many have mentioned before, the youngest Kuran is a different scenario. Her bold and versatile sense of fashion, ability to work on herself, put further effort on top of that God-given beauty, takes her to a whole different level than the rest of her kind. Who— are generally very uptight, boring and conservative with their choice of appearance and sense of fashion.
Aiyora was closing up her clutch while doing a last minute check, when a knock came through, followed by the Hunter's voice from the outside, informing them, their ride is here.
At the event:
Post the announcement of her name, Aiyora rose from her seat ever so gracefully. Her heels softly clicked against the floor as she sauntered to the stage. Keeping her head held high, refusing to let the opinions of people in the ballroom weigh her down.
Actually no one in the ballroom had any opinion on her. They were all taken aback, stunned, and left utterly speechless by the girl's beauty. Not a single person there was able to look away or blink for the matter of fact. As the human weren't accustomed to seeing such high standards of glamour. While some recognized her from the cover of magazines she was featured in. For those who whom didn't know who she was were certainly keen on finding out.
The award was presented to Aiyora by a short, balding, elderly gentleman; who found himself awestruck by her beauty.
Aiyora on the other hand looked straight ahead. Proudly facing the group of journalists that gathered in front of the stage to click photographs of this monumental moment.
"Aiyora-san please share few words." Requested one of the journalists from the group.
A microphone was quickly handed to her by the host. Thanking him, Aiyora faced the audience again and began.
"I don't have much to say other than to thank you all for recognizing my work and appreciating it. However, I'd like to clarify one thing from start— this award isn't mine, neither is this win. This award," She held up the black trophy high, so that everyone could have a proper look at it.
"…it belongs to all of you brave women out there, who are battling every day against the difficult world just to survive in this male dominating society."
"That was a very powerful message you put out there Aiyora-san." The host cheerfully added. "Any advice you can offer us men."
The mentioned female turned to the man standing beside her and smiled. "Well… you can start with treating your women right. If possible share their pain, make their life easy, look at them like they are your equal, not inferior. And most importantly never forget, it was a woman that birthed you and it will be a woman who will birth your children."
"Beautifully said, Aiyora-san. I'm surprised how matured you are for your age. Now let's see what questions all the reporters and journalists have in store for you." The host turned to the audience motioned his hand signalling the journalist it was their turn to ask the questions.
The person on the front row, in red jacket raised a hand. The host made a gesture towards him, giving him the opportunity to ask the first question.
"Aiyora-san, you started your career as a model. But now you're studying law and doing a lot of social work on the side. What made you quit the show-business and make your mark here?"
"The desire to make a difference." She kept her reply simple and to the point.
"Have you gotten adequate support from your family?" Asked another journalist.
"Yes and no." Aiyora quipped with a naughty grin. "I didn't get any support from my family. However, it was their unethical lifestyle that motived me to choose this path."
"What did you mean when you said "it was their unethical lifestyle that motived me to choose this path." Please clarify."
Aiyora let out a small laughter before bringing the microphone in front of her mouth.
"You wouldn't ask me this question if you knew my father personally. But not to worry, I will answer your question. My father was a terrible man. Who, in search of love ruined lives of countless women. Our beloved Shiki Midori being one of those unfortunate women. It was him, my father, who made the biggest contribution in Midori-san losing her sanity."
"Does this mean you are related to Shiki-kun…?"
"We're half siblings."
Then, a journalist at the back raised her hand.
"Aiyora-san first of all accept my congratulations on all your achievements. But the question I'm about to ask is different." She made no attempt to hide that she was warning her. "What is your opinion on the death of the two culprits; dying under the mysterious circumstances of animal attacks? Do you believe they deserved to die like that, than serving life in prison like the other three?"
There was a moment of heavy silence before Aiyora brought the microphone to her mouth.
"You know, I was expecting this question. But never expected it to come from a woman." She paused to let out a bitter chuckle. "Now I understand why women are always behind. It's not men, it's us women who bring each other down."
The same journalist was quick to add, smirking. "You avoided my question Aiyora-san. Now it's making me wonder if you are by chance involved in this murder?"
"That's a bold accusation. However, I must admit— I truly admire your courage."
"You still haven't answered my question Aiyora-san."
"Because there is nothing to answer. Your question doesn't make sense."
"I beg to differ Aiyora-san. It seems to me that you are avoiding my question."
Aiyora said nothing, she simply continued to smile. Just then, another person, a female in particular walked onto the stage and faced the journalists angrily.
"My name is Masuno Kira." The woman with blonde hair and green eyes introduced herself. "I am the victim of the trial. Yes, I am the woman who was raped on her honeymoon by a bunch of vicious men."
Everyone in the audience became uneasy including the people on stage. No expected the victim to attend the event and present herself before the world so courageously. Only Aiyora remained calm. Instead of revealing an awkward face like everyone else, she wrapped an arm around the woman's shoulder.
The woman turned to look at Aiyora and the latter gave her an assuring nod. In one simple gesture giving the victim the support and courage she needed in that moment to carry on.
"I was embarking on a new journey, beginning a new life. But everything was taken away from me... I was left to die… my marriage fell apart… my husband left me… no lawyer wanted to take my case because the culprits belonged to powerful families."
Some amongst the audience began to shed tears. But the victim stood strong. She has cried enough, her tears have dried out. All she's left with now is anger.
"So, why don't you look into my eyes and ask me— What is my opinion on the death of the men who raped me?! Come on ask me! ASK ME!"
Silence invaded in once again. None of the journalists dared ask any more questions. During this time four more women took to the stage. Four more sexual assault victims. All of them stood in front of Aiyora, forming line of defence and began protesting against the journalists.
"How dare you point finger at the only person who ever took some action rather than offer empty words of sympathy?" Demanded one of the newcomer.
"If women in your families suffered the same form of cruelty, would you still ask them how they feel about death of their rapist?" Questioned another newcomer.
Then the victim of the trial, Kira, spoke up again.
"It doesn't matter who those animals were or what their purpose was. To me they're my hero just as Aiyora-sama is. They gave me justice. Those rapists deserved every bit of the painful death they suffered. All rapists do! All rapist deserves to be devoured by those animals!"
Thus it became a chant amongst them. All five sexual assault victims standing on the stage.
"All rapist deserves to be devoured by the animals!"
"All rapist deserves to be devoured by the animals!"
"All rapist deserves to be devoured by the animals!"
Aiyora raised the microphone to her mouth and responded to the female journalist who indirectly accused her of being involved in the culprits murder.
"I hope you got your answer…" She trailed off not knowing her name.
Undering she was asking her name the journalist introduced herself.
"Miyaka. Sato Miyaka."
"Right, Sato Miyaka." Aiyora tasted the name on her lips and smirked.
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.
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Kaito, who sat with Maria in the audience mirrored the same expression as everyone else in the auditorium. His eyes then moved over to Aiyora, and a part if him was relieved to see she was holding up alright.
Deep down he was touched. The joy in the eyes of these victims made him temporarily forget one crucial detail: Kuran Aiyora is a pureblood vampire.
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.
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Senri and Rima were also seated in the audience.
The two models were seated at the very back of the auditorium. As they came discreetly, wearing subtle disguise and hiding their presence and their signature scents so that they could surprise Aiyora.
But the situation that unfolded, left them surprised instead.
The event was being telecasted on television live— like every year. Only difference though, this year both the vampires and Hunters association have tuned in to watch with great interest.
And the reactions were as follows:
At the Kuran manor: Everyone gathered at family lounge. Akatsuki and Ruka sat across from one another, each occupying a single-sitter. Whilst Hanabusa, Yuuki and Seiran took the three sitters at the centre. Kaname on the other hand opted out. As he chose to watch the telecast in the confinement of his office than joining the rest.
All eyes were glued on the television screen, watching Aiyora and the drama that just unfolded. The way these women stood up, shows the impact Aiyora's actions have brought into their lives. But when looked from a different point of view, it seemed to be greatly impacting the Vampires-Hunters treaty.
Akatsuki and Ruka exchanged several knowing looks all throughout the telecast. Seiran remained expressionless and Hanabusa looked over the moon. However the person sitting between the latter duo, would often turn to the closest mirror in order to check out her own appearance.
Insecurity showed on the pureblood's face. An action that didn't go unnoticed by the other two females present there. But neither paid her any heed.
Seiran didn't care as it wasn't a part of her job.
As for Ruka, she honestly wanted Kuran Yuuki to understand that the life she chose comes with difficulties. It has suffocating expectations that can be extremely difficult to withheld. And unfortunately the person on whom she's relying on the most is not by her side. Nor will he be in the future. Just like he wasn't by Kuran Aiyora's side. Truth is, Kuran Kaname has put Yuuki in the same cage he once put Aiyora. The latter was able to break free and today she is shining in glory. Question is— can the former do that?
Ruka wanted to tell Yuuki that, one cannot survive in their world if they need support of another. But those, that are needed by others, thrive.
But she didn't! Why bother waste her time and energy on a girl who has track record of not listening…? Kuran Yuuki isn't her friend. Nor is she her Kaname-sama's dear one anymore that he'd suffer if anything happens to her. At the moment Yuuki is just an inconvenience that everyone here would be happy to get rid off.
Sounds harsh, but that's the truth. Just like the reality of their dark world.
At the Hunter's association: The scenario wasn't too different. Yagari, Jinmu and Zero gathered at Kaien's office to watch the telecast.
Cross was caught off guard when Zero walked in with the group voluntarily. Earlier he extended the invitation but certainly didn't expect the silverette to join. But he was happy that he did. The more Zero normalized himself about the Kuran, the faster he'd be able to move forward in life.
And as a father that's what Kaien prioritized.
Amongst the hunters Yagari was the first to react. He blew out a puff of smoke and nodded his head in cold rage. While not sure what the others were thinking, but he saw through the pureblood's ploy and decided to share his analogy with the rest of the group.
"Looks to me the brat played her game smartly."
"What does that suppose to mean?" Jinmu asked.
But Zero caught onto it first. "You're saying… She manipulated and used those vulnerable women as a shield to protect herself against the Hunter's Association."
"Precisely." Initially Yagari was suspicious of her involvement in the death of those culprits. Now— he's affirmative, Kuran Aiyora played a vital role.
"How is that possible for a girl like her to pull that off?" Cross countered, taking off his glasses to clean the lenses with his shawl.
"Snap out of your dreams old man!" Yagari snapped at him. "Stop underestimating the Kurans. They're just as bad as any other purebloods. If not worse! And that cub of Kuran Rido is capable of doing anything! Rumour has it she even framed Kuran Kaname for rape."
His words began to turn to hiss towards the end. As his frustration grew realizing that, at the moment the Hunters cannot take any action against Kuran Aiyora. It will not only tarnish the association's reputation but would also turn humans—mostly women against them. The way those victims stood up for the pureblood, Yagari wouldn't be surprised if they go as far as to sacrifice themselves to protect Kuran Aiyora. They are entirely under the pureblood's spell now.
However, the concerning reaction on Cross Kaien's face appeared for a completely different reason. What he just learned changed his perspective of Aiyora. It gave him more reasons to worry now. If she's capable of framing Kaname for rape, what else might she be having up her sleeves…?
More importantly, what his brain failed to comprehend was how was she able to get away framing Kaname, Kuran Kaname of all people. And how come he was just hearing about this incident?
Meanwhile, Kuran Kaname: was in his office, sat behind his desk. With smoldering burgundy eyes glaring down at the television screen.
He found himself at the midst of an unexpected tension.
Although, a part of him cannot help but feel proud. The girl is barely out of childhood and yet she has achieved so much. It's even hard to imagine this was the potential he was willing to waste; by sacrificing her.
The feeling of pride may have swelled up his chest, but that doesn't ease the tension pulsating in his brain. Aiyora's action may have earned her respect of many women. However it doesn't change the fact that it also gives leeway to the wayward vampires. The message she gave can be interpreted in both ways— it could be seen as her standing up for women while at the same time giving vampires the opportunity to continue drinking human blood. Without a doubt, the Hunter's Association will take up on the latter.
Therefore problems will arise between her and the Hunters. Using this issue as the key the Hunters will try to go after her. And as a result maintaining the balance, for which he has worked so hard for, would go down the drain.
How could he prevent such a situation? What should he do…? Should he talk to her…? Will she understand…? What if she misunderstands and whatever progress they've made so far is ruined for good. What happens then?
Sighing with resignation, Kaname leaned back on the chair and closed his eyes. Moment later, let out another deep breath before reopening his eyes.
Then, turning the chair slightly he looked out of the window. While his mind searched for the solution to this newfound problem, one of his hand reached out to pick up the receiver of the cordless phone sitting on his desk and dialled a number before bringing it to his ear.
A.N. Thank you for reading. Hope you guys enjoyed.This chapter showed an insight to Aiyora's entrance into the political world. As you can see her action can be seen in two different ways. Hunters certainly think she has different agendas as of to just helping those women. What do you think? Don't hesitate to share your thoughts.
