At Kaname's request, Akane rigidly stepped into his room, stopping by the seating area in the centre. A much less formal arrangement of furniture than the desk and chairs situated in front of the window, at the back of the room, but were no less, ornately crafted. The place was strong with the scent of the mahogany from the chairs, desk, door, floor, and bed. The room was lavish, but not ostentatious in its design, with burgundy accents and gold trim that could easily have presented the room to be far more intimidating.
The room itself was not what unsettled Akane, however. The formality of the room, with its high ceilings, heavy drapes, and luxurious rugs on the highly polished floors, did nothing to lessen her anxiety as Aido was barred from the room and she was left with the Pureblood, circling her to seat himself in the deep-cushioned, red couch.
She felt small, inferior in his presence, and hadn't given her state of dress a second thought until now. Her toes curled while her hands clenched in silent mortification at the wraith she must appear. Her black hair was a tangled mess, her skin was deathly pale, and her slight frame looked willowy in the oversized nightgown, that she assumed had come from one of her taller contemporaries within the dorm.
Kaname sat, silently analysing Akane as she fidgeted under his gaze. He listened to the quick but steady thrum of her heart, saw the small spot of dried blood on her nightgown, a remnant of the wound that had ended her Human life. The vampiric scent from her, as well as the instinctual recognition he felt for one of his creations, were the confirmations he'd needed to assure himself the transformation had been a success. She may not even need the extra dose of blood, but Kaname felt obligated to, at least, offer her to feed.
"Please take a seat, Miss Nakamura," he invited and gestured to the settee opposite where he sat. Akane grimaced at the feel of her body moving to automatically obey his request, and visibly jolted at the force she used to stop herself. Kaname's hand dropped back to his knee as he crossed his legs. His frown was sympathetic at the sight of Akane's attempt at defiance.
"Don't fear, Miss Nakamura. I have no desire to control you, though I do understand the compulsion of a Pureblood, even indirect, is stronger for ex-Humans than for other Vampires. Is there something I could do to make things easi-…?"
"Stop talking!" she interrupted. Her fists were still clenched at her side and her body shook with the effort to remain where she was. "…please," she tagged on after a shaken breath.
Akane's legs were locked, fighting the impulse to just give in, and sit in the damned chair he'd offered. Kaname waited as she struggled against the pressure, adamant she would sit where she damn-well pleased! Eventually, after the silence had lasted a solid minute, Akane took a step towards a chair situated closest to the door, opposite, and to the far right of Kaname and the seat, he'd suggested. Each step was easier than the last and finally, with a relieved sigh, Akane sank, unimpeded, into her chosen seat and brought her dark, emerald eyes to meet Kaname's deep, brown stare.
Kaname waited for the girl to settle and only continued to speak once she appeared to relax.
"Your transition seems to be complete. I'm glad to see your wounds are fully healed." Akane looked down at her nightgown, curling her toes under the chair. Kaname considered her for a moment, seeing her fidget uncomfortably under his scrutiny, her expression souring as her senses were continuously flooded with sounds, smells, and sights, which were only getting stronger.
"Are you experiencing any discomfort, or noticed any strange sensations?" He was sincere in his inquiry, but Akane couldn't help the sardonic arch of her brow and deadpan response to his question.
"Everything is a 'strange sensation' to me, Kuran." He watched her wince then frown as her tone triggered her submissive instincts towards her Sire.
"Colours are way more vivid than they've even been before," she began, running her hand through her tangled hair. "Black seems, almost solid. I could hear the threads in the carpet in the hall, bending under my feet. I smell things I can't place, and it all just keeps getting stronger. My head is filled with sounds and needs I've never heard or had before. I mean, is it wrong to want to choose my own seat? Why can't I sit where…!?" Her voice suddenly cracked to a stop.
The girl deflated under the rush of embarrassment at her outburst. She scowled angrily. Akane knew her emotions, of feeling so disjointed and flustered, were justified, but her "instincts" forced her to quiet and still, to not lash out at her Master. I hate this feeling. Her eyes locked onto the Pureblood. I don't feel like myself around him.
"Your frustration is normal, as is trying to stop yourself when you think you may be being disrespectful towards me." Akane's eyes hardened, but Kaname continued, unperturbed. "I'd prefer to nullify this effect on you. I don't want you forcing yourself to do and act as you please around me. I want you free to be yourself." Akane straightened in her seat, unwanted gratitude filling her for the Pureblood's consideration towards her.
Brown eyes stared into green, power building and shining in their darkened depths.
"I'll use my power over you, only once after today, Miss Nakamura. I am unsure when or even if I will call on you, but rest assured, from this point on, I grant you complete freedom from my influence… until that time comes."
Akane's shoulders visibly relaxed as the unwelcome feelings of awe, appeasement and inferiority dwindle into nothing. The tiredness that had overcome her after sobbing into Aido's arms was welcomed back to the forefront of her mind. She wanted to leave, feeling far more interested in sleep, than seeking answers to questions she had no desire to ask. She knew the fate that had befallen her father, knew his killer was the Vampire opposite her, and also knew, she didn't have the information Kaname sought.
"I don't know who the Pureblood is," she offered with a level tone. Kaname shifted, re-crossed his legs, and bringing resting an elbow on the arm of the couch.
"I suspected as much. This Pureblood used your father's love against him. He cared for you, fed on you, then returned to his Master's side. This method allowed her to feed on you indirectly, keeping your blood untainted by her bite, and hide her crimes against your family. I don't doubt she bound your father to never reveal her name." Akane shrugged, explaining her father would rarely refer to his Master to her, and would only use the titles of She, Her, or It.
Kaname was aware Akane knew nothing of the identity of the Pureblood, who had attacked her parents, from his conversation with Aido. He also knew the rough extent of the knowledge she'd gained from his subordinate. Like Aido, he had concluded that Akane's bloodline may hold the key to the Unfortunate mystery. A mystery that had confounded Vampires for millennia.
He'd decided to allow Aido to continue researching the Unfortunate phenomenon, focusing on Akane's maternal lineage, by investigating the Hunter family her mother had belonged. If that proved fruitless, he'd have Aido turn his efforts to her father and his line. Kaname had dissuaded Aido against divulging anything of Unfortunates to Akane this soon into her transition. He didn't want to cause any miss-placed guilt in his Progeny, at the loss of her family, or lose the little trust in them she had.
The silence stretched from this point. Akane sat quietly, shaking her head to alleviate her tiredness and ignore the oncoming headache growing as her senses progressed. Kaname was lost in quiet contemplation until a knock came at the door. Akane's head swivelled to face the sound as Kaname called in the Vampire. The door opened, revealing Ichijo Takuma, still dressed in his school uniform and greeted them with a pleasant smile.
"Miss Nakamura's room is ready, Lord Kaname," Ichijo informed brightly.
"Thank you Ichijo. I won't keep Miss Nakamura much longer. Would you wait outside, please?" Ichijo's closed-eye-smile broadened and with a curt nod, he stepped from the room closing the door. Unsure why there was a need for her to stay with Kaname longer, Akane turned her attention back on the Pureblood.
"I've never turned a Human before, Miss Nakamura," Kaname revealed contemplatively, his gaze lost in the middle distance. "I've never felt the need to bind someone to me in that regard, and I still have no taste for it." Akane listened, coaxed by his calm, honeyed voice. "But bind you to me, I did, and now, I'm responsible for you… I want you to drink more of my blood."
Akane's eyes widened, her back straightening quickly in her shock. She made no protest, however, and allowed Kaname to continue.
"I understand that may seem inappropriate or unnecessary," it does. "But, for my peace of mind, I ask that you indulge me. You were unconscious as I turned you, and I'm concerned you did not drink enough. So, I want to offer my blood to you again, to ensure you continue without mishap."
The wide green eyes that had startled at his proposal now shifted to a vacant chair in a pensive frown. Akane knew, from Aido, that if a turned Human drank the blood of their Master, before they fell to Level E, the decline of their sanity would cease. She flicked her eyes back to meet Kaname's mahogany gaze.
"Did guilt bring you to this decision?" Akane felt better now, more like herself, able to throw out objections without that annoying niggle that told her she was in the wrong.
Kaname shook his head at Akane's assumption.
"No, Miss Nakamura. I do feel guilty for taking your father's life and your humanity, but neither were preventable, given the circumstances. My thoughts are that it would mainly be for your benefit, as well as my curiosity if I'm being honest."
Akane thought for some time, considering everything Kaname had said, trying to arrange what she wanted to say to the Pureblood to convey her feelings as frankly as possible. Collecting herself, she spoke formally and with a calm, even tone.
"My father was beyond help. I'm aware of this, Kuran, as I recognize that my becoming a Vampire, was the consequence of accepting your help in my own survival. I'm… grateful to you for saving my life, and for releasing my father… but I also hate you for the same reasons. I realize that grief is the cause of these conflicting emotions… I just felt the need to make clear where we stand." Kaname nodded, accepting her hatred and gratitude. He understood where Akane was coming from and respected her emotions towards him for what they were, but a part of him was disappointed to hear his Progeny held next to no trust in him.
With her peace said, Akane stood fluidly and walked around the table to sit next to her Master. She had decided to indulge him for similar reasons as he'd claimed. Aido had once mentioned, briefly, the power one could gain from the blood of a Pureblood, so, she saw no harm in drinking if it meant she got stronger. Also, she was a Vampire now, she needed to learn how to feed, and what better teacher than a Pureblood.
Akane's memories only knew vicious bites and pain. Is that what Kaname expected from her? She doubted it, and knew, that despite her nausea at the thought of biting someone and drinking their blood, it was a part of her, and she needed to accept it. The sooner the better. I hate this fragmented feeling. I want to feel whole again!
"I'm not sure what to do," Akane admitted as she settled into her seat. Kaname shifted from his rested position and shuffled closer, unbuttoning the cuff, and rolling the sleeve of his black shirt up to reveal his pale wrist. With both feet on the ground, he moved as close to her as he could, ignoring the brief stiffness in her thigh as his leg brushed hers.
"Anywhere you bite, you will draw blood but, to get the best and freshest blood, you need to be more precise and take the blood flowing through the veins." He ran his index finger over the raised, blue vein running across his wrist as he spoke. Akane's brow was furrowed, looking more thoughtful than anxious, but could feel the sweat collecting on her top lip. "This," he continued, stopping his finger over the centre of his wrist, and the vein. "This is where you will bite." Akane considered his arm with unease, trying to pluck up the courage to stretch her hand out and bring his arm to her mouth.
Kaname had seen the logistical problem with their position but waited for Akane to be ready before he brought it to her attention.
"This will be awkward," he began as Akane's hand moved to lift his arm. "But it would be more comfortable for both of us if my arm were around and over your shoulder. It would be an easier angle for you." Akane's heart quickened with wide-eyed fear but said nothing, neither accepting nor objecting to his suggestion.
Kaname slowly brought his arm up and around her shoulder, bringing his wrist directly in line with her face. Akane sat as if made of stone while her heart ricocheted around her chest and the pounding in her head intensified. Fight or flight struggling against one another being surrounded by Kaname's arms. Akane experienced the same old fear she'd had when Aido or her father would cage her.
Kaname didn't move after his arm was positioned, and again, waited patiently for the girl to calm down. He could hear her heart almost beating its way out of her chest, feel the tremors in her shoulders and practically taste the fear in the air, but, eventually, her shoulders eased again.
Drawing a shuddering breath as the last of the quakes left her body, a trembling hand rose to take a firm grip around Kaname's fingers, while Akane's other hand guided his wrist to her mouth. She opened her mouth, tilting her head one way, then the other, trying to find the right position to set herself. Once she was sure she got her placement right, she let her top jaw slowly close.
The girl jumped when her new teeth met skin but shook her anxiety away and continued to bite down. Her teeth pierced Kaname's skin with little effort and once the wound had been made, blood flooded into her mouth. Automatically, Akane locked her jaw and closed her lips around her bite, making sure to catch any liquid that strayed. Her eyes shone like rubies as the sound of her swallowing, and her harsh breathing through her nose, filled in the quickly lightening room.
Kaname watched as the girl drank with surprising gentleness. Her fangs instinctively embedding in his flesh, so his natural, quick healing didn't close the wound as she fed. A glimmer of pride gleamed in his heart. She gulped slowly, while her eyes stared, unblinking, into his room.
Suddenly, Akane threw his arm away and clambered to the edge of the couch, dry heaving as nausea overcame her. Kaname wiped the blood from his arm then rushed around the couch to her side. She had beads of sweat glistening on her brow and her eyes streamed with tears from still deadly, dark red eyes. Soon, she stopped retching and dropped her head on the arm on the couch, relieved.
"How do you feel?" Kaname asked, concerned for his Progeny as he took the hand, she raised in a silent request to help her stand after she'd composed herself. She nodded, not trusting her voice, and allowed Kaname to guide her carefully to the door once she stopped swaying on the spot. "Aido will be your guide through your integration into The Night Class, but I wish for you to feel you can come to me if you want to." The door opened to Ichijo, still waiting patiently to take Akane to her room.
"This is Takuma Ichijo," Kaname introduced. "He's the Vice-President of The Moon Dorms. If you need anything and are unable to go to Aido or myself, Takuma will be more than happy to help."
"That's right!" Ichijo chirped sincerely.
"He'll show you to your room. Good night, Miss Nakamura." Akane nodded, accepting the arm Ichijo offered.
"Ready to go, Miss Nakamura?" he asked, smiling happily at the slightly dazed girl in his care, guiding her gently down the corridor.
Akane's senses had dulled briefly as she'd drank but they began sharpening even quicker than before, on the walk with Ichijo. His happy chatter about the classes she'd attend and been drowned out by the beating in her chest and the ringing in her ears, but eventually, his voice came into focus. Turning to look over her shoulder discretely, Akne saw Kaname was still stood in his doorway, watching her. She held his gaze for a few paces, before suppressing a shudder and turning her attention back to her Vampire tour guide.
Kaname stayed in his doorway until the two had disappeared around the end of the hall and closed the door. His hand lingering on the wood with a thoughtful frown in place. His eyes shifted to the left to his marble chess set. He neared the chess table, plucking the white Queen from her square before his eyes shifted over on the Queenside Knight. He brushed a thoughtful finger over this piece as his plans came to mind. Drawing his finger inward, Kaname's eye was taken to the Queenside Bishop. He took this piece into the hand, alongside his Queen, closing his fist around them and bringing his closed fist to his lips.