Yuki's visit to The Moon Dorms had caused a stir amongst the Night Class, but it had been quickly settled after Kaname's punishment of Aido became the new topic. A game began amongst the Vampires of Cross Academy to see what they could do to make his sentence even more unpleasant. They played this game often, as Aido had gotten into trouble a few times for his conduct, and not just with Yuki, but others in the Day Class. Plus, it was entertaining for them to think up new and creative ways to torment him during his chastisements.

Currently, Aido stood at the top of the stairs near his room against the wall, sighing dejectedly for what felt like the hundredth time. His neck strained from standing in such a position for so long. His arms were sore, and his knees screamed to be bent. Every day since Yuki's visit four days ago, after class, Aido had stood on the landing in from of his door with a bucket of water in each hand and upon his head. He was not to move until Kaname excused him, usually late in the day.

This was Kaname's punishment for antagonising Yuki. The buckets were annoying, and his body ached after, but that was bearable, compared to the ridicule he endured from his peers. On Monday (the first day of punishment), Kain had called his cousin an idiot, quite loudly, then walked away and had not said another word to him since. Ichijo had tried to make light of the situation, but his cheerful chatter only soured Aido's mood further.

His most frequent visitor/tormentor was his other cousin, Ruka Souen. She delighted in his misfortune, goading him into arguments, insulting his taste in clothing, his face, his intelligence (of all things). She had recently taken to dropping stones she'd gather from the courtyard into his buckets unevenly, forcing him to adjust his stance and grip. At present, Ruka was with Rima Toya, sat reading in the lobby area below. The corridors were clear and quiet of students who would use the free time before bed to entertain themselves in their dorm rooms or the activity room.

Aido sighed again, readjusting his grip on the handles of the buckets as Kain entered the lobby from the kitchen. He carried three glasses of water, already tinted pink from the dissolving blood tablets he'd added. He set a glass down on the mahogany side table beside Ruka and placed Rima's into her outstretched hand. He placed his own glass on the white, granite coffee table and took a seat on one of the gilded, white leather, high-backed chairs, leaning back and catching his cousin eye with an annoyingly blank stare.

The silence stretched on until the main doors opened, signalling the return of Kaname and Ichijo from their meeting with the headmaster. Ruka abandoned the pages and gracefully stood to greet them.
"Welcome back, Lord Kaname." Aido rolled his eyes at his cousin's useless attempts to catch the Pureblood's eye but watched as Kaname and Ichijo made their way to the seating area.

"Headmaster Cross has asked for our assistance," Kaname began to explain. Aido heard doors along the corridor open, at hearing the voice of the Pureblood. He watched as the Vampires appeared from their rooms to hear the Headmaster's request. "A group of students have been granted permission to leave the academy grounds on Saturday. They will be spending the day in the village, celebrating the birthday of one of their number."
"Why would they need us?" Rima asked with a dull expression.

Ruka sneered in distaste, believing Kaien was taking Kaname's involvement in the Night Class for granted.
"The Headmaster should know better than to waste your time, Lord Kaname," she snapped, folding her arms across her chest. Other Night Class students had congregated in and around the lobby by now and added their input.
"Yes! Lord Kaname isn't to be called by that ex-hunter for trivial requests!"
"He should hold Lord Kaname in higher esteem!"
"What reason does he give for such blatant disrespect?"
"Enough!" Kaname called, annoyed by the interruption. "Akane Nakamura will be among the group." Quiet followed this announcement.

"You see the issue. The Headmaster has asked for a small party from the Night Class to accompany the group, to ensure their safety. Yuki Cross has already been assigned, but he has requested our assistance." He paused and looked around the room, watching all the faces process and understand the situation, and what was being asked of them. There were Level E's in the surrounding area that were a threat in and of themselves, but the Hunters primarily dealt with them until they came close to the academy. The added draw of Akane, however, was the crux of the problem. She would not only pull any Level E that could scent her into the more populated areas but could potentially put all at risk.

"I would like to assign two volunteers for this task. The Headmaster rejected my offer to volunteer, as he feels it more appropriate for me to remain at the academy. Ichijo has volunteered his assistance, so one more is needed."
"I'll do it, Lord Kaname!" Everyone turned to the gallery at the top of the stairs where Aido stood, with a determined expression, buckets still in hand and on his head. "I wish to redeem myself, Lord Kaname. Please allow me to go!" He appealed to the raised eyebrow his declaration caused on the Pureblood's face.

Kaname eyed the younger Vampire, he looked ridiculous and had repeatedly apologised to Kaname each day he was finally sent to bed. He knew Aido was sneaking out every weekend, possibly to The Sun Dorms, and even more possibly, to the Unfortunate. He had already spoken to Kaien about his suspicions, and with this request, was hoping to understand why. Therefore…
"Very well, Aido. You will be the second to assist Yuki in accompanying the Day Class students."

Aido sighed, almost dropping the buckets he held before correcting his grip. He had missed Akane's scent again this week and felt a thrill run through him that he would get to see her twice. He correctly guessed he would need to keep out of sight, as there would be a group of students with her. So, the thought he would be essentially stalking her was exciting.

Aido knew he had to be mindful, however. If he let her scent get to him, it could mean trouble, and if he got too involved, questions would need answering. So, he'd have to be smart. He didn't like that Ichijo would make it impossible to get closer to her. Yuki and her friends would also be an obstacle, but it was a small price to pay, besides, he'd be scenting her properly Saturday evening anyway.

With everything settled, the students went back to their activities. Kaname and Ichijo left the lobby and ascended the stairs, turning towards Kaname's room.
"Aido, put those down, and come with me," Kaname instructed once he reached the landing. Relieved, Aido gingerly brought the two buckets into one hand then reached up for the bucket on his head. After placing them all on the floor he stretched out his body, arched his back and bent his knees, happily gaining the feeling back in his limbs before he left to catch up to the dorm President and Vice-President.

Ichijo held the door for the Pureblood and his fellow Aristocrat before closing it and followed the pair into the room. The Aristocrats stood at the front of the mahogany desk as the Pureblood moved behind and sat in his dark-green, leather, mahogany desk chair to address them.

"The Day Class students have been scheduled to leave the academy at around 9:45 on Saturday morning. Yuki will be with them, so, they have protection within the group. However, you two will be there to ensure Yuki will not be needed. You are to dispatch any Vampires you see that pose a threat. If Miss Nakamura is attracting any unnecessary attention, then you should intervene, and ensure the safe return of the students. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Lord Kaname!" They chorused with a bow.
"Good. That will be all Aido, you may go." Aido bowed again then left the room with the full intention of having a long soak in the bath with some rose-scented oils, wanting to soothe his aching back and knees.