Chapter Six – Hidden Spirit
"Oh, Kaname! What can I do for you?" The middle aged Chairman asked as he looked up from his report with a warm smile at the handsome vampire in the doorway, who entered and closed the door securely behind him. The Chairman sat back, pulling his oval glasses away from his wise emerald eyes, and wiping them with the white handkerchief he kept in his pocket.
"Things are getting…complicated." Kaname replied almost hesitantly as he walked over to the Chairman's desk. His heels clicked loudly on the wooden floor as he walked, but were muffled by the green rug beneath the desk as he drew closer. The Chairman slid his glasses on once more and nodded Kaname to continue. "It seems they were sent here to research us…Perhaps not us directly, but they know we're different so they're trying to figure out what we are…You know what will happen if they find out." Kaname prompted as he looked down at the Chairman, who nodded gravely, his golden bangs falling across his eyes.
"They'll tell whoever sent them and the secret of the Night Class will be out…but who would know enough about us to orchestrate this?" The Chairman wondered aloud as Kaname walked to the window and looked out at the grounds, where the rest of the Night Class were either on their way back to the dorm or mingling outside waiting for him to join them. Ichijou looked up at him with a nod, feeling Kaname's gaze with an ease and familiarity he had developed over the years.
"The council perhaps? We both know what they think of this idea of peaceful coexistence…but would they truly go this far?" Kaname theorised questioningly, the Chairman looking down at his report thoughtfully, fiddling with the black pen absently. The council seems a little above this though…and I know it isn't the hunters…
"I don't know…I didn't think they were that concerned with our actions…Perhaps it's a human group orchestrating it? If a human knew about this but wanted proof they may have called in the psychic research team." The Chairman suggested as he looked over his shoulder at Kaname, who gave a deep chuckle as he glanced over at the Chairman.
"It may even be as innocent as it seems. 'A human growing suspicious of a group of young people seen only at night and rarely during the day decides to call in researchers'…but still, I am concerned…The more they think about us the more they'll realise, and we can't let that happen." Kaname added with a sigh as he turned to the Chairman. There were few people Kaname trusted more than Cross, and no humans at all. The only humans he really knew were either students he didn't spend time with or hunters who'd rather see him dead.
"It's not a problem! If they find out about you I'll wipe their memories." The Chairman replied with a wave of his hand. Kaname looked troubled as he left the window to sit on one of the chairs in front of the Chairman's desk.
"I don't think your powers will affect the girl…She's different, very sensitive to our supernatural energy…If she has that much psychic power she'll be able to block any attempt you make." He argued, the Chairman getting to his feet with a dangerous look as he leaned over and looked Kaname in the eye. One could often doubt Cross's history as a hunter, but seeing him like this Kaname had no doubt.
"I will not have the blood of an innocent to be spilled on these grounds. If they find out you will bring them to me, and if I truly cannot erase their memories I will take it from there. Is that clear Kaname?" He asked, his usually gentle eyes hardened. The old hunter within had risen to the surface with a fierce sense of protection. Kaname's eyes also hardened as he got to his feet in frustration.
"Chairman, I do not need to remind you who is at risk here! If our secret gets out my kind will be hunted and feared." He exclaimed as he leaned across the desk, the Chairman's eyes calming as he smiled and sat back down, suddenly seeming a little older. Kaname had never noticed it, not until that moment. It seems just a few weeks ago that he was a young man hunting my mother…
"Look at us, two old friends fighting over something so…small." The Chairman sighed as he looked up at Kaname's confused expression. "Even if your secret gets out, who among the humans would believe it?" He asked, Kaname smiling as he sat down and ran a hand through his thick dark locks.
"True enough, but there are those who will." He replied cautiously, as the Chairman knew. Of ten people he knew at least one would believe, even if it was just for the drama. That still didn't necessarily mean anything would happen though. The news could come and go as fantasy drama within a couple of months for all they knew.
"Well, let's cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, don't hurt them." The Chairman ordered, Kaname nodding his agreement as he got to his feet. "Kaname, send the girl to me…I want to examine her properly." The Chairman decided, turning towards the large windows with a thoughtful air as Kaname reached the door.
"Of course." He replied as he stepped through.
"Mai!" Ichijou called as she opened her door to go outside. Even though she had only just returned for the night she was restless again. Wonder what he wants…Mai thought as he hurried up the stairs to join her, a large package in his hands. "Sorry to shout like that, but Kaname asked me to tell you to head over to the Chairman's office. He'd like to speak to you." The blonde boy replied with an apologetic smile as he balanced his package.
"Oh, okay…Do you know what it's about?" Mai asked as she stepped a little closer to him, Ichijou blushing slightly at their closeness as he looked at the package he was holding. Suddenly it seemed a little heavier and his hands trembled slightly with nerves. He wasn't good at interacting with people he didn't know, particularly human girls.
"No, I'm afraid he didn't say." He replied shyly, his hands clutching the parcel tightly. Why do I get so…nervous around her? He wondered as he stole a glance at Mai, her hazel eyes looking troubled, and her light brown hair framing her cute face. Now's the perfect chance for me to test one of our theories! Mai thought suddenly as she stole a glance at Ichijou, who was openly staring at her. A blush coloured her cheeks at the intensity of his sapphire gaze.
"Well, I guess I should get going." Mai said with a smile, her eyes widening as she stumbled forward. Ichijou dropped his heavy parcel to the floor as she fell into his arms, her face buried in his chest. It's a similar scent to Zero's! She thought as Ichijou's intensely sweet scent filled her senses. His arms wrapped around her gently. I feel so…relaxed…She thought as her eyes closed contentedly. It's almost as if…I've smelled it before…she thought, searching her memory for a time she may have encountered it, but not finding one. Despite that she still knew she'd smelled this exact scent before. It filled her with an odd sense of security and warmth.
"Mai? Are you alright?" Ichijou asked, his cheeks reddening as he looked down at her. Her own cheeks flushed as she looked up at him, her orbs slightly misted as he had expected them to be. Unfortunately his scent was something he was unable to control.
"Yes, thank you." Mai replied as she got to her feet awkwardly, Ichijou smiling kindly as he bent down to retrieve his package. "I'll be going now." She added as she walked away, Ichijou watching her as she left. Those eyes…Why do I know those eyes? He wondered, shrugging it off quickly as he headed to his room to open the new manga he'd ordered.
"Hello?" Mai called as she opened the door to the Chairman's office, not getting a response as she stepped inside. Maybe he's out…She thought as she walked to the middle of the large office, where the curtains were open to the morning sun. The grounds outside were green and teeming with life as the Day Class made their way into the main building.
"Ah, Miss Taniyama! Sorry to keep you waiting." A kind voice greeted behind her, Mai turning with a gasp to see the tall long haired man she was waiting for in the doorway. "I'm also sorry to startle you." He added with an apologetic chuckle and warm smile. Mai quickly shook her head in response.
"Oh no, it's fine, really, um…What did you want to see me about?" She asked nervously as he entered the office, pulling off his dark green coat to reveal a tartan waistcoat over a white shirt. He hung the coat on a coat stand and put a hand on Mai's shoulder blade, guiding her to a chair in front of his desk gently.
"Please, don't be nervous. I just thought it would be nice to talk and make sure you're settling in nicely. I know a new environment can be daunting at you age and." He said assuringly as he sat down, cutting off suddenly and almost rolling to his feet. "Oh! It would be more comfortable in the living area." He decided as he tugged Mai to her feet and half dragged her to the sofa and small table he had at the other end of his office. Settling Mai down on the sofa with a smile the tall man set about making things more comfortable. "There! That's better, isn't it?" He added with a somewhat goofy grin.
"Uh, I guess so." Mai replied, still nervous as he grabbed a tin from his desk and opened it, offering it to her with a smile.
"Have a cookie, my daughter made them for me." He added with a proud look, his face so expectant that Mai took one, nibbling it shyly as he continued to stare at her. "Isn't it delicious?" He asked, Mai nodding mutely. It was. It was sweet and crumbled on her lips. "You're still uncomfortable." He observed with a sigh as he leaned back in his chair.
"Sorry." Mai apologised as she looked at the man, who smiled at her gently with warm caramel eyes.
"Don't apologise. I'll just have to make you more comfortable…So, how are things in the Night Class?" He asked as he sat back and crossed his legs, his demeanour so relaxed and at ease that Mai felt a little more comfortable herself, though she remained perched on the edge of her seat.
"Well…I haven't really spoken to the other students much…They seem to keep to themselves really." Mai replied, wondering just how much she should tell the man in front of her. He nodded his understanding.
"Yes, they're very protective of their own." He agreed, noticing the way Mai's interest piqued at his statement. How much does he know? She wondered, her nervousness receding as her investigative curiosity kicked in.
"Their own?" She questioned, the Chairman impressed by the control she had over her emotions, and her expression. He could tell she'd picked something up and was hoping he'd give her something to help her investigation without realising it. Clever Miss Taniyama, very clever…
"Yes. They've all been here for the past two years and they're all very close. In fact most of them are related or have known each other since childhood." He replied swiftly, Mai looking thoughtful as the Chairman gazed at her intently, reaching out for her with his mind. Her eyes widened in surprise as he brushed her consciousness. What is this…feeling? She asked herself, a gentle energy pressing into her mind. She closed her eyes and focused on it, feeling it as it felt her. It's not evil…but is that any reason to open up to it? She wondered as the force pressed harder, almost painfully. Stop! Mai ordered, the force making her head throb painfully. She raised a hand to her forehead as she clenched her teeth.
"Stop it!" She cried out loud, the feeling quickly retracting as a second force broke in, protecting her.
"Miss Taniyama! Are you alright?" The Chairman asked as he crouched in front of her, his hands resting on her shoulders firmly, his hazel eyes worried as he peered at her. Tears rolled down her pale cheeks as she opened her eyes.
"I…think so…" She replied, standing as she felt the Chairman gently lifting her to her feet. As she stood with his hands on her shoulders she felt the pain in her head gradually fade away to a small throb.
"Go to back to the dorm and lie down for a while." He ordered gently, watching as she walked out the door. "You can come out now." He added as he looked over at the window, Kaname appearing as he stepped out from behind the curtain.
"Your barrier worked. She didn't sense me at all." Kaname observed as he sat on the green sofa in front of the Chairman, who sat where Mai had been moments before with a sigh, looking at the floor as he hummed a positive response. "You're feeling guilty." Kaname observed, the older man looking up with a weak smile.
"I've never hurt someone innocent like that before. She didn't know why I was trying to break into her mind…She didn't even know it was me." He replied in a small voice, Kaname nodding in understanding as he leaned back and looked out of the window at the grounds, where Mai had just appeared. She seemed a little shaken, but as she continued down the path he could already see her perking up in the sunlight.
"I don't need to tell you that even good people have to do bad things sometimes." He said absently, the older man shaking his head, his expression dark. Kaname also looked disturbed as he watched Mai, remembering the many times he'd hurt the people he cared about for the greater good.
"I guess I should be used to it by now…but it never gets any easier." The Chairman added as he pulled his glasses off. Kaname smiled gently as he sat back with his legs crossed elegantly, returning his gaze to the older man, who looked years younger without his glasses.
"It's because you care so much." Kaname replied simply.
"I can't help thinking if I had pushed any harder I could have killed her…It's amazing how little effort it takes on my part…" He thought aloud, his eyes far off for a moment before he came back to himself. "But I found out enough. You were right. She has amazing psychic abilities, but she doesn't realize her potential. She's only used a fraction of the power she has. If she knew how she could block out the feeling she gets around you with just a snap of her fingers, but that's not the most…disturbing part." He explained, Kaname sitting forward looking deeply troubled. "She has a secondary consciousness…A second spirit if you will." The Chairman said darkly.
"What?" Kaname asked in disbelief, his dark eyes widening at the disturbing news.
"It's true. There's a second soul taking refuge in her body. Why it's there I don't know, but it's extremely strong. It knocked me away like I was nothing when Mai called out…but it is concerning…" The Chairman continued, Kaname nodding in agreement. "The extra soul will begin to tax her body if it remains…I'm not sure if it's a permanent resident within her or whether it just entered her to watch over her this one time…I wonder if it even knows what it does to her body…" He thought aloud in a concerned voice.
"Possibly, but whether it does or doesn't isn't our concern, nor is the effect it has on her body. Our concern is how long it will take her to unlock her potential powers and what will happen when she does. If she can sense what we are then the identity of the Night Class will be revealed." Kaname replied, the Chairman mildly shocked by his unusually cold words. It almost sounded as if he wanted her body to fail to save him the trouble of keeping her off their trail. "I'm sorry…It's been a hectic two days." Kaname sighed as he brought his hand to his forehead, realizing himself what he had been thinking.
"It's alright Kaname. I know you're not as heartless as that…If you were then Yuuki wouldn't love you." The Chairman replied assuringly, Kaname smiling at the mention of his sister and lover. "Still I'm worried…Her powers won't fully develop for years, but they could strengthen at any time depending how she uses them. Let's just hope they remain dormant for now." He added, Kaname nodding in agreement.
"I'll have Ichijou keep an eye on her." He replied as he got to his feet. "If you'll excuse me, I think I'll turn in." Kaname added with a smile, the Chairman nodding his agreement.
