No one's POV:
A week floated by oh so quickly. Once a rare threat for the angel became an everyday occurrence. Having little disputes with the three demons daily. Each ending like the ones before. It became quite a manageable routine in the angel's eyes. The day of the festival finally approached with the opportunity to get her in full power once again.
Angelica's POV:
It was a sunny start to the day.
„Good morning," I came into the kitchen where Lindo and Ritsuka were already sitting.
„Your mood is at an all-time high today, huh?" Lindo smiled.
„Well, why wouldn't it be? I know what I can expect from today and most importantly I'm getting back into my full power," I smiled brightly.
„I don't quite follow how will you get your power back?" Ritsuka was curious.
„Right I should explain how this world works for me and the other supernatural creatures. Imagine the three realms like three stairs on top you have heaven, under it is earth, and under that is hell or Gehenna. Once you step on earth from any point you get weaker. It is a kinda leveled field that's why armageddon or the war between heaven and hell should happen here both angels and demons lose part of their powers making them equal. And each of the races has its own way how to get that power back. Demons take souls giving nothing back in return. Angels are different we feed on the joy of others but not in a parasitic way. We give others joy and that amount we give we take no party loses anything, unlike demons or vampires," I explained to her.
„So that's why you signed up for that computation. You would be able to sing before lots of people thus giving them joy," Ritsuka exclaimed.
„You catch on quickly. I do hope you two will make it to my performance this time," I smiled.
„We will be there don't worry," Lindo joined in.
„Thank you," I smiled even more.
At that moment the doorbell rang, and someone was at the door. It was Azuna we let her inside as we prepared for the festival.
After a while, we were already heading to school. Everyone except me had a bag with their clothes for that night's dance.
„Well, let's establish some ground rules, for the both of you," Lindo started.
„Both of us? As far as I remember I'm capable of defending myself," I jumped in.
„Yet you are still in danger there will be a lot of outsiders," Lindo argued.
„Fine, continue," I just sight.
„Once we are there we will stick by our class booth so that leaves you two," Azuna said.
„Fine then we will be going around the festival until I have to go to the rehearsal," I said.
„Well, that sounds like a plan," Ritsuka nodded.
We slowly approached the school, even from far we could hear the festival music. Once we stepped onto the school grounds it felt like we were in a wonderland. Everything was beautifully decorated, and we had even some attractions prepared.
„Wow, this is beautiful," I exclaimed.
„It's way more grandiose than in junior high," Ritsuka smiled.
„Yeah, you're right," Lindo nodded.
„Well, let's enjoy ourselves," I said.
We split up. Lindo and I went around the festival, my eyes almost sparkled from the wonders around.
„Good first impression?" Lindo asked smiling.
„You bet, this is something else," I said excitedly.
„Well then, come with me and close your eyes," Lindo said and extended his hand, I took it and closed my eyes.
He began to lead me somewhere, then we stopped somewhere.
„Now you can open them," he said after a while. I opened my eyes to see a delicious treat.
„It's a caramel apple," Lindo answered the unspoken question. I did give him a fake what are you thinking look which I imminently changed to a thankful expression.
„Thank you for treating me," I smiled taking the apple from him and trying it out.
„Delicious," escaped my lips.
„You had me worried there for a moment," Lindo laughed.
„Sorry, just teasing. Apples are fine for me," I also laughed.
„I do hope everything is fine with the girls," Lindo sighed.
„I wouldn't worry about them," I just smiled.
As we walked for some time, Lindo was getting more and more on edge. I did try to distract him from it. I did not think that really helped. We walked in a crowd around the booth of our class and Lindo just disappeared. I managed to notice that after I got to the end.
„Oh come on!" I called out once I notice it. I walked back and stopped at the booth.
„Hey, did you see Lindo, he just disappeared on me?" I asked them.
„No I didn't see -" Ritsuka started and then just looked behind me.
I turned to where she was looking. Oh, Lindo! Lindo was stuffed between two booths across from us.
„I will get him out," I told them.
„That would be appreciated," Ritsuka smiled thankfully.
I walked toward the two booths.
„What are you doing?" I asked sarcastically.
„Just making sure," he answered.
„Yeah, that's enough making sure just relax Azuna is capable enough to protect Ritsuka," I told him.
I did manage to get him out of there and we went our way, but before that, I just give thumbs up to the girls that everything is okay. They looked thankful.
Once the time came we split up, Lindo went back for the girls and I headed toward the stage. The other students were already there and tinkering with the sound device.
„I'm here for the rehearsal before the show," I approached the student that was leading the others.
„Perfect timing. We have nearly everything set up just needing soundcheck," the student smiled.
„Great then I'm gonna go prepare myself and wait for your signal," I smiled back.
„Great," announced the student and walked off to another task.
I found my way to the backstage where I entered, seeing a few students preparing some more things and a hanger with prepared clothes and boots for the students working there. There was also a mirror table with makeup and hair products. I put my bag on one of the free chairs there, making sure it was properly closed, then I walked onto the stage and patiently waited in front of the microphone for the signal. The student from before waved at me as the signal.
„One, two three, four, one, two, three, four starting soundcheck, starting soundcheck," I announced after I checked if the microphone was even on. One student in the far back gave thumbs up.
„Okay, let's check the music," announced the leader from beside the stage.
They put it on so suddenly that I jumped. The sound was too loud, so I signaled so. The same did the student in the back. So they lowered the volume a little bit. It was manageable now.
„Alright then, first we will try just singing then we will join it in with the music," the leader announced, I gave him thumbs up for that and started singing using it as a warm-up before the show.
It went on for a while then the leader signaled to me that they gonna mix it with music. The music came with the next song, they had to fiddle with the setting a bit to soundly synchronize.
„Alright, people everything seems to work smoothly. Those who work on the sound design can go enjoy the festival but be back for the performance. I do ask those who work especially on the performance to stay, that means the singer and the makeup and hair designers," said the leader. I nodded and went backstage.
There were already a few students waiting, two girls and two boys.
„It will be a pleasure working with you," I smiled at them.
„The honor will be ours. You sing beautifully," one of the girls spoke.
„I do thank you for liking it," I smiled. Someone came backstage.
„Someone wants to see you," some other girl that came in told me.
„Is it okay?" I asked the others.
„No problem, we have time," they said smiling.
„Thank you, I will try to be quick," I told them.
As I walked outside a familiar voice could be heard.
„It's pleasure to see you again dove. Aren't, you just radiant as ever?" he laughed.
„Do you need anything?" I asked him not so nicely.
„As a matter of fact, yes. I need a date to tonight's ball," Urie smiled. I just stared at him for a good second or two.
„Are you serious?! What kind of delirium do you have to think I would accept such an offer?" I spat out. It didn't make any sense to me, I fought them for a week in a row and now he comes with this.
„It was a kind offer. The festival happens once a year, I'm just trying to compromise. Make the day even more special," he was still smiling.
„Yeah, same here. Be my date at the party tonight. I mean dancing isn't really my thing but if you're a girl who likes to move I'll make an exception," Mage appeared, trying to push away Urie he managed to do it which I knew would work to my benefit. I definitely didn't like his tone.
„Stop that immediately," I shoved him immediately after he put his hand on me. It did surprise him a little bit but he was determined to try again.
„Move it Mage. You're in my way." Urie grabbed his hand to stop him.
„Oh shut up, she's not gonna go with you," Mage shook out of his hand and they literally butted heads.
That was my ticket to silently slip away. I took two steps back and something was there. I stumbled forward and turned to it, and of course, it was Shiki. Getting away from those two would be easy if not for him.
„Don't even ask. Because if you do the answer is no and you will end on them again," I told sternly to him.
He definitely had something to say but before that, I was pulled aside. My reflexes kicked in but thankfully I managed to look who that was.
„Leave her alone," Lindo stepped in front of me.
„Give me a warning next time I was prepared to throw you at that wall," I told him silently.
I did hear him giggle a bit. They did start some kind of banter between each other but I wasn't really paying attention to it, something else caught my eye. A group of students seemingly looking for someone stood on the main path. Almost devilish thought crossed my mind followed by a sly smirk. I took a deep breath and excitedly shouted, „Oh look the student council is here!"
Those three looked at me in horror in their eyes, legitimately scared as a stampede of their squealing fans came for them. I smiled at them with the sweetest and most innocent smile I could muster and slightly waved at them as their fans carried them away.
„Who needs spells when they have crazed fans," I couldn't hold my laughter anymore.
„Quite a cruel tactic but an effective one," Lindo noted but he was also amused.
„Play with fire and you get burned, what could I say?" I laughed.
„Oh yeah, I do have to go prepare myself," I remembered and rushed backstage.
„I'm really sorry it took so long," I apologized to the other students.
„It will be close but we will make it," they smiled.
One of the male students handed me a hanger with a beautiful white dress and white high heels.
„This is what you will be wearing tonight. It should be your size, but if there's anything amiss I can make small changes to it. You can change behind that curtain there," he pointed.
I took it from him and went to where he pointed me. It was quickly made changing room which only had a chair to put your clothes on and a large mirror. I began to change into the outfit that I was given. The shoes were only simple white high heels, which I appreciated but they could have been a bit smaller. Then it came to the dress, a white long evening dress with only one strap over the left shoulder that seemingly prolonged into some part of an imaginary cloak other than that its high waist was highlighted by a strip of silver gems formatted into flowers. It had some glamor to it but it was kept simple, just my style. I looked in the mirror, the outfit was truly beautiful but one thing didn't fit, the rosary, thankfully I didn't need to wear the pendant anymore, with help from Lindo and father Noel we came up with perfume filling the same purpose. I took the rosary off and as I was leaving the changing booth I put it together with my clothes into my bag.
„Wow that is spot on," one girl sighs.
„It is, I don't think anything has to be changed," I smiled brightly.
„They really fit like a glove. Then my job is done it's up to you guys," the boy commented and smiled.
„Alright, then it's my turn if you could please sit by the mirror," the other boy said. I slowly walked up to the chair taking careful steps not to trip with the high heels. I sat down on that chair, I was quite relaxed.
„Alright, I will get your hair done in no time. Don't be afraid to tell me if I pull too much," the boy said.
„I do count on you," I smiled.
I almost instinctively closed my eyes as he started to work on my hair, something about that was just calming.
I just let him manipulate with my head as he needed.
„And done," he said. I opened my eyes and looked in the mirror.
My hair was made into a messy bun with a few side streaks loose, being lightly curled, all of it was finished by a hairpiece in the shape of a silver branch with flowers.
„Oh my, it's beautiful," my eyes were basically shining at that point.
„We are not done yet, we need to do your makeup," the girls smiled.
„Alright, alright, I will be patient," I joked.
They at least giggled at that. But soon after that, they got to work. First, they highlighted my eyebrows a little bit, then they did my eyes. They used shimmery white, light pink, and bronze eyeshadow which they blended quite seamlessly, then came for me the scariest part the eyeliner. It took a few tries but they managed to put it on me successfully, after that, the mascara posed no problem. With eyes done, they gave me light pinkish blush and light pink shimmering lipgloss.
„And we're do- wait no, this will need that necklace," one of the girls looked at me.
„Okay, I'm coming with it," said one of the boys. He carefully put a necklace on me, it was a simple silver one with a cross.
I stood up and stared at myself in the mirror. I couldn't believe that I actually looked like that.
„Wow, I'm honestly lost for words. This is beautiful. You all are certainly talented and have really good ideas," I told them gratefully.
„We truly appreciate your compliments but we can't take the full credit for this. The idea behind it wasn't ours we just did our best in realizing it," they smiled.
„Oh? Then may I know whose idea it was so I can extend my thanks to them?" I asked.
„Well, the student council actually. It was really charming from them," they started.
„Oh? The student council did that?" I asked surprised. It truly threw me off.
„Yeah. They personally looked over all the preparations," one of the boys said.
„Mage was the one who choose the dress, boots, and necklace. I was asked to go with him as he choose it. He wanted me to know everything if you asked. For a guy who dresses as he does he was really precise when he was choosing it. It was unbelievable, he really cares about the school-related things," the boy who took care of my dress said. I was in awe and it would only build up.
„That's true. I got the tip for that hairstyle from Urie. He even taught me how to do it perfectly," the other boy said.
„I can confirm that they tried that hairstyle on me. I did feel really special when Urie tried it on me. And with the makeup, we were helped by Shiki. That was an experience to say at least," one of the girls said.
„Yeah, he did help us perfect it, but he is sending those creep vibes," the other girl said. I was really in awe, I couldn't even believe what I was hearing.
„You honestly mean that?" I asked still in shock.
„Yeah, that's the truth," they nodded. I again looked at my reflection in the mirror, revaluating everything.
„Well, I do have to thank them once I get the chance," I smiled slightly. Just another try to get me to lower my guard, I'm sure. I tried to wave it off with that excuse.
„Well, look at the time we have 10 minutes," one of the students pointed out.
„Last chance to back down out," I joked. They did laugh at that.
The time finally neared the performance.
„Well, wish me luck," I smiled as the music started. The intro song had a lot of time between the start of it and the main singer singing.
I showed up on the stage once my part came. It was a quite grandiose entrance. And with that, the performance officially started. The audience was quite small from the beginning but after one or two songs people gathered. I noticed that Lindo, Ritsuka, and Azuna were there from the start. As the show picked up the pace I could feel people's joy rising, I could even see the aura of the joy.
It went swimmingly for about three or four songs and then came to a song that I was sure I didn't write in my list. I was to say at least confused but I played it cool. I thankfully knew it so I could catch on that this wasn't a song for one. I saw what was about to come, and I didn't like it one bit. And lo and behold at the point where it was the turn for the second person Urie appeared. And I was hit with this enormous wave of joy and jealousy. Some things never change. Then I was hit with another thing, realization. I have to play this game to get most of it. The song was passionate and seductive, which I wasn't really keen on since for him this wasn't just a play. I had to play my role but hints of my discomfort came through. He did try some things, some successful some not so much. After that finally passed I was peeved and flustered. My heart was beating like crazy and my cheeks were burning. I had written a few songs that were sneakily making fun of the council members, it would be subtle if they weren't there but now it was a different story. Time to get back at him. So with the next song, it came, my revenge. That song pretty much pointed to what he truly was, a womanizer. I have to admit I got pretty smug about it. I took the risk with that one but to my surprise, the enjoyment outweighed the outrage. Well, I found my strategy.
„I did forget to mention at the start that this is really just a performance we are just having fun so take everything that happened on the stage with a grain of salt, isn't that right Mr. vice president?" I spoke and gave Urie a sly smirk. He did make a slight face as a reaction to me acting out this way, which I promptly giggled at. One could get used to being the teaser.
„Well, that's absolutely right, of course," he told that graciously to the crowd. And with that confirmation from him, he enabled both sides to basically do anything they want, without outrages of others.
They gave me some space between songs. Then after a while, another unpleasant acquaintance came on. The next song almost terrified me, it came to Mage's turn. That song was repulsing to say at least. I stumbled over my words after one of his lines, it was that shocking. In the end, I was just a blushing mess occasionally shooting him death glares. But I was about to turn that table on him. And thanks to the next song I mocked his strong persona managing to reveal how soft he could actually be. Nearing the end of the song he was blushing like crazy seemingly wanting to melt away. With him, his fans melted as well from his newfound softness. I did catch a glimpse of Urie backstage being very much amused by the happenings on stage. After that Mage quickly disappeared backstage I could hear them going at each other. I could distinctly hear Urie mocking him and Mage shooting back. I happily proceeded with the next song. I got a few calm songs in and then the storm came.
The song came up and I knew that I will have a really bad time with this one. As typical for Shiki, he choose something that would hurt me in some way. The song was really reimagining the scene of his fall. The story itself was a warped tale of cinderella where they fall in love at the ball but Cinderella ends up killing the prince. The song just latched on and wouldn't let go, it was painful to get through that one. And Shiki reveled in that pain. I was more than ready to get back on him but the truth was I couldn't find anything that would hurt him or embarrass him, thanks to his nature. Everything would just turn him on. So I choose something that would hint at his race. It wasn't much but it seemed to hit at least something. All those numbers accumulated a large amount of joy in some songs more than others. The joy was just seeping into me, I felt more and more power returning to my full power, this was the closest thing to drugs for an angel. I felt that with more power I got more confident. They played with me for all this time, it's time to give them a run for their money. I put on the sexiest song I got there and rolled with it. All of them were backstage, but I could sense the lust radiating from there, I shivered at that. It worked, way too much. I did notice that Lindo was worried, maybe he sensed it too, more likely it was from that concept.
The rest of the show went without a hitch which was a relief.
„I do thank everyone for being here I'm really honored to be standing here. I feel is in place to thank some people. I like to express my gratitude to all the students who tried their best in the singing competition. I also would like to thank the student council for gracing us with their presence and enabling this to even happen, again no hard feelings. But I like to thank the unseen heroes of this event, the production crew you might say. Nothing you see and hear here wouldn't be possible without them. Please give a round of applause for them and if it's possible please show yourselves," I smiled. The team leader and the four students showed up on the podium. One of the girls was crying from the sheer shock of being called out. The audience was clapping for them quite happily. I handed the leader the microphone.
„Well, I think I can speak for everyone here on stage and off the stage. We certainly weren't expecting this level of gratitude and we are really thankful for it," the leader happily exclaimed and bowed a little. I was calming down the crying girl, she was thanking me for my actions.
After that whole buzz ended I met up with the others.
„Wow, that was absolutely awesome," Ritsuka smiled.
„I do thank you. Tho I did not expect it to have so many curveballs," I sighed.
„Yeah, that felt like their numbers weren't planned for," Lindo said, his worry subsided.
„Yeah, I had no idea about it. They did catch me off guard with that one, but inconsistently I had prepared some songs to mock them so those were very handy," I smiled.
„And how are you feeling?" Azuna asked, curious.
„Like me again. And fearless," I answered her.
„Well, that's at least good to hear," Lindo smiled, I just curiously looked at the time.
„Shouldn't you guys be preparing?" I asked them.
„Shoot you're right," Azuna said looking at her phone. „ See you then," they quickly departed.
„I will be waiting before the ballroom," I shouted towards them.
As I promised I was waiting before the ballroom, just watching people going in and out. Some boys approached me to ask for a dance I fend them off with that maybe later. I was just watching my surroundings when I saw that rude girl from the singing competition whispering something to her friends sometimes looking my way. That's not suspicious at all. I just turned and faced the other way, just keeping a mental note about it. It took only a while to discover what was that about. She was coming to me with a glass of orange drink and she appeared to trip. I instinctively sidestepped her managing to grab her by the waist, so she wouldn't fall. Her plan was obvious she wanted to accidentally stain my dress with her drink. Well, that backfired on her thanks to my actions not only she looked like a fool but also the previously mentioned drink spilled on her crimson dress.
„My, my you do have to be more careful with high heels. Oh, I'm so sorry about your dress," I said as I helped her out.
I meant what I said but I couldn't pity her too much, she made the decision first. She just huffed and stormed to the bathroom.
After a while, they finally came. Everyone looked really nice. Azuna had a purple dress with a similar cut of them as mine although hers were shorter and had a metal piece on her hip. Ritsuka came in with a blue and white simple cut dress, long gloves, and an adorable little hat hairpiece. And last came Lindo in what I could only describe as princely kinda pirate attire, I was actually kinda cute.
„You look lovely guys," I smiled at them.
„Well, thank you. But you are honestly the star here, they really did an awesome job on you," Lindo pointed out and smiled. I blushed a little bit and then asked
„Shall we?" I gestured towards the ballroom.
„Don't forget to take a glass. Grape for gentlemen and orange for the ladies. If you be lucky you could become the lucky royal pairs," the girl serving the drinks informed us.
Each of us took one of the tall glasses.
„What is this royal pairs stuff?" I asked confused.
„Oh that, it's kinda new this year. It was a tradition to randomly choose king and queen but this year, thanks to a lot of pleading from the students, they also added the position of prince and princess. These roles are basically the same. I don't really think it was necessary, just two more places to fill, with the number of students it just gets lost," Azuna sighed.
„Okay, but what is the purpose?" I asked still confused.
„Oh right, well once someone gets the crown, which is in one of these glasses, they are proclaimed either queen or princess it will depend on the color. Once their partner is found they will become the star of this ball even sharing romantic dance before everyone," Azuna explained. I did make a face at that.
„So it could be even two people who never met," I exhaled, I wasn't a fan of that idea, thanks to the implication that even the council could be involved.
„Chill, there is just a slight chance of getting the crown," Azuna laughed and put her glass higher.
„Cheers then," she proclaimed.
„Cheers!" we said and the clear ringing sound of the glasses colliding echoed throughout the room.
We drank our fills and then two silent clicks could be heard. The room almost fell into dead silence and all of the eyes were looking our way. I brought up my glass to get a better look at the golden crown sitting on the bottom of the glass. I sighed deeply and then I looked at the others. All of them were shocked, Ritsuka was in the biggest shock since on the bottom of her glass laid a silver crown.
„Could you say that again?" I huffed with a defeated smile. Why fate, why do you play these cruel games with our lives? Everyone kinda freaked out once the realization settled in.
„No way,"
„You gotta be kidding me?"
„How could two girls from the same group get it," the girls were outraged. But the ones in charge just kinda waved that off.
And pulled us aside to wait for our partners to appear. I pulled out the crown and clenched it in my fist before the committee could see, Ritsuka did actually the same. Perhaps for the chance to switch if needed.
„Oh the student council is here!" some girls squealed.
I had my back to the entrance so I just clinched the crown even tighter together with my teeth.
„Glad you came we saved a few glasses for you," the server said.
„You are very kind," I heard Urie, with that typical sweet voice.
I just shivered in disgust. Until now the room was full of chatter but now it fell into silence, the anticipation could be almost felt. My heart was beating so fast and I just closed my eyes hoping just for the murmur to begin anew signaling that nothing happened. The silence was deafening and then sound tore through it.
„Cling, clang," two clicks rang throughout the room like thunder.
My heart sunk and blood froze in my veins. The murmur started again way louder than before. And thought the murmur footsteps that approached us could be heard each one sounding like a little earthquake to me. I opened my eyes and I was staring into the ground. I took a deep breath gathering all my courage just to find out the truth. I slowly turned to them and my eyes were still focused on the ground. As I slowly looked up I caught a glimpse of two pairs of white shoes. I was slowly building my way up both had white princely attire, which did not help me from distinguishing them but one of them held the silver crown in his hand so I elected to focus on the other. I got just a rush of adrenalin and looked my partner right in the eye, I wish I haven't. Right in front of me stood Urie twirling the golden crown between his fingers watching its shine. His attire was white and lite yellow and could be only described as something a prince charming would wear. His appearance was strikingly beautiful, I couldn't deny that.
„Well, that's a quite pleasant surprise," he smiled so charmingly.
Next to him stood Rem just looking at Ritsuka in silent awe. Ritsuka was blushing like crazy and looking at the ground. I wanted to switch but I couldn't do that to her, they needed to start somehow.
„Please, show us your crowns," the committee asked us. My hand was slightly shaking when I opened my fist to reveal a golden crown sitting in the palm of my hand. My cheeks took a dark shade of red as Urie gave me a sly smirk. Those two looked at each other like they had seen a ghost.
„We want to happily announce that this year's dance finally found its royal pairs. As this year's king and queen, we have Urie Sogami and Angelica Ross. And as for the new roles as princess we have Ritsuka Tachibana and as the prince, we have Rem Kaginuki please give them a round of applause," the committee announced.
The other students actually cheered for us, there obviously were some who were jealous and even angry but they were the minority.
„Long live the royal pairs!" the students cheered.
Through all the chaos that was happening, I saw Lindo and Azuna looking quite worried on the other hand there were Shiki and Mage looking at Urie giving him death glares. Him being just amused by the whole situation. The committee leads us to four thrones at the back of the room, two bigger and two smaller. We sat on the bigger ones and on both of our sides sat Rem and Ritsuka. I had my hands gently placed in my lap, sitting straightly staring to my left away from Urie, stone-faced. I occasionally looked at Ritsuka who was anxiously holding part of her dress, looking at the ground sometimes giving quick glances toward Rem. Then the music started.
Urie stood up and extended his hand to me, gently smiling in the process.
„Could I have this dance?" he asked me sweetly.
I put my hand gently in his with the slightest nod. He led me onto the floor where we took our position. He can't try anything with this much of a crowd, right? I assured myself. I looked over to Ritsuka and it seemed they were prepared too. She was still in shambles over this situation, just a blushing mess. I got a bit calmer as we were sitting but now my heart was again pounding like crazy as I was so close to Urie and could feel his every touch, but I was trying not to be so obvious about it.
„Just to let you know, you try something I won't hesitate to throw you," I threatened. I heard a giggle from him.
„My, you truly can't let go of something for at least one day," he laughed and we started our dance.
I was tense but I tried to soften my moves. I was just counting the seconds to the end of this then I just noticed something. I noticed Ritsuka and Rem dancing both clearly happy, Rem was even slightly smiling. Then I just flashed through the whole day again. Come to think of it, they didn't do anything harmful today. Everything that they did no matter how mischievous it was only helped me so far.
„Um- " I started shyly the blushing again returning.
„Huh, what is it?" he smiled and looked at me. I evaded his gaze getting even redder.
„I-I wanted to thank you -" I struggled to get my thoughts out.
„Oh, and why would that be?" he asked amused by my disposition.
„F-For the outfit and such... I heard you guys personally saw it through... All of it - is quite lovely," I got that off my chest, slightly shivering in the process as I felt his gaze still on me. He brought me even closer to him, I could feel his breath on my ear.
„Glad you liked it," he said right next to it.
That just sent shivers down my spine but I embraced it, my hand was no longer just laying in his but I was actually holding him, I looked him in the eye and gave him a small yet genuine smile. That sparked something within him and from that point, the dance became something I never experienced, it didn't feel like dance anymore more like a whole new experience.
At the end of it, he let me go and I let out a breath that I didn't even know I was holding in. It felt like I have just fallen out of some kind of trance, my head was so fuzzy and I didn't know what to think or how to feel about that whole experience. I was just staring at him trying to comprehend everything that just happened. I was ripped out of that weird state by fireworks going off outside, all the students gathered on the balcony to watch them. I just walked off to the others. My head was now in shambles. But I wasn't the only one in this state Ritsuka seemed to go through something similar. Lindo looked at us quite worried.
We went to change after that. I was just getting that makeup off, looking at my reflection in the mirror. What am I even doing? I asked myself after finishing. My head was full of thoughts from today, just bouncing around some sticking but then being replaced by others. I was going insane from it. I undid my hair putting the hairpiece on the table with the necklace I took off. Then I finally went to change. Once I was done I put the dress back on the hanger but not before taking a last good look at it. What am I even feeling? This isn't even me. I was pulled out of those thoughts by cold touches around my waist and on my wrist and a presence behind me.
„I just came by to thank you too. For that beautiful evening," a sweet voice rang next to my ear. I
couldn't even react at first as it caught me off guard. I could feel hot breath on my neck and as I did not struggle he let go of my wrist. At that moment my reason finally kicked in. In one swift movement, he was now standing completely surprised with a small gash on his neck, pouring slowly a few drops of blackish blood. I was holding my sword near that wound, it wasn't supposed to be a warning strike this was intended to terminate. But I hesitated, for the first time in my existence I hesitated with my killing strike. My hand with the sword was shaking, I just let it disappear. Then I turned around and walked out without a word. What is happening with me?
I caught up with others and we were heading home. I went last, twirling the crown in my fingers still trying to sort and make sense of my own thoughts. It felt like every time I managed to solve some part another fell instead. It felt like always one important piece was missing from the equation, yet I got the feeling I already had it. My attention was already brought elsewhere thanks to a fast movement around us. Everyone got tense. And then they appeared.
„Vampires," Lindo exclaimed.
„We came for the grimoire. It's known you have been protecting it," one of them said. Looks like my power will go for a test run.
„Let's dance then," I called upon my sword and my eyes were drained of their color.
I had a determined look on my face, it instantly cleared my mind, focusing only on the battle. White sparks appeared, I dashed forward and cut down a few of them. And this started the battles. Azuna pulled Ritsuka aside setting a protective circle around her, standing by to cut down anyone who would get close. Meanwhile, Lindo and I were in the heat of the battle. Cutting down anyone who came at us, but it felt like the more we cut down the more would appear. I was zipping around leaving behind sparks of white electricity, just like a lightning cutting down as much of them as I could but it wasn't enough. Lindo was even pushed into transforming into his dhampir form.
I just terminated five vampires at once, whipping away their blood from my face when I heard Ritsuka scream. Apparently, the vampires were a bit smart about the situation. The apparent leader used one of his underlings to bypass the circle to get to Ritsuka. I wanted to get to them but I had to clear my way there. But clearing my way there didn't matter once I heard the sound of a sizzling flash. I reacted, a flash of bright light blinded everyone and I felt a sharp piercing pain in my side. I stumbled backward and covered the deep wound with my hand. What happened was that I switched places with Azuna taking the blow that would be fateful for her. It surprised the vampire but I wasn't done.
„Wrong move buddy," I exclaimed flicking my fingers to ignite the blood he had on his hand after giving me that wound.
It burned with white shimmering flames, the vampire screamed out in agony and quickly disappeared. This was a kind of last defense mechanism for us, if someone injures us we can use it to get back at them. Tho the process is dreining mostly physically so once he disappeared I collapsed, my eyes taking back the color. I just rived in pain on the ground. But that whole event freaked out Ritsuka to the point that the true power of the blood gem, until now hidden in her pendant, took effect annihilating the rest of the vampires in close proximity. Such an event gave me a second wind of sorts to stop it but it was too late the dark creatures must have been alerted already. I knew that the endgame clock for the hunt after the blood gem had just begun.
Merry Christmas! So another chapter is up. This one is a bit longer. I gave this one a lot of love since that dance scene was basically the thing that prompted me to write this whole story, so I really hope you enjoyed it. Also happy 2nd anniversary for this! Hope to produce continuations a bit faster.
