Aido returned late to the dorms the following evening, to a less than enthusiastic welcome from Akane. She was upset he'd not come back as he'd promised and proceeded to ignore him, much to Aido's chagrin, until she retreated to her room, slamming her door in her frustration.
"I can explain!" Aido said hurriedly when Akane finally opened her bedroom door, trying again to apologise. Akane scoffed before slamming the door in his face again, satisfied her lack of attention was irritating him. Good! Stupid, selfish Vampire!
He knocked again… no response.
"Come on Akane. I really didn't have a choice. I wanted to spend time with you." If Kiryu could keep his damn fangs to himself, and if Cross could reign in that bleeding heart, maybe I could've left! Akane's anger bubbled at his whining voice, one he'd used to get his way with her many times before. 'Spending time with her' was the least of her complaints about the last 36 hours.
Twisting back to the door, she wrenched it open, letting it slam against the wall, startling the Vampire. Her eyes burned as she shook with emotion, staring the male down.
"You're an idiot!" she growled. "Night Class stuff! You told me you needed to speak with the headmaster about Night Class stuff. When you didn't come back, I thought you'd been carted off to The Hunters Association, or something!"
"Why would I be taken to The Hunters Association?" He was honestly perplexed how she'd come to this conclusion.
"The guard at the gate," Akane answered, dropping herself into her purple chair at her dressing table, arms and legs folded, and an irritated expression on her face.
Aido followed in her wake, closing the door behind him.
"I tried to look for you because it was late, but he stopped me and said, that any Night Class students found outside The Moon Dorms would be disciplined. I tried to explain, but he said, while Kuran was gone, the Hunters would discipline any rule breakers, and to leave it to them to find you. He must enjoy frightening people because he said, they tend to 'enjoy themselves' when re-educating repeat offenders." Akane's eyes hardened, her posture stiffening at the memory of the dirty, toothless grin the old guard sent her at her wide-eyed expression before her shoulders dropped in a sigh.
Aido stepped closer at the sight of her relief that he hadn't gotten into any trouble. He squatted beside her chair, taking one of her hands from the armrest and began stroking his thumb in a circular motion on the back of her hand.
"I'm sorry," he said softly while dipping his head to see her frowning face. "I didn't mean to worry you. I stayed with Kiryu and Cross at the headmaster's house, so they kept me out of trouble." Akane didn't smile at his attempt to amuse her, but she did raise her head to look at him. Kiryu?
She was still upset with him but thinking about Aido and Zero in the same room caused an uncomfortable feeling in her gut. Aido was still unaware of what had transpired between herself and Zero, but that just made that uncomfortable feeling stronger. She would have pulled her hand away from his but Aido, sensing the change in her mood, pulled her to her feet, with the misconception his apology was the reason for her anger being derailed.
"I didn't think I'd be gone that long, but I should have let you know everything was ok. I know a lot has happened lately." Akane's eyes drifted, feeling her heart flutter and sink at the same time. Understatement! They thought simultaneously. "And I know, I haven't helped that, but we're friends and I like… I like that, so, I'm sorry Akane."
Akane's frown deepened as she pulled away to fold her arms across her chest. What happened with Zero, and Kaname, were both moments she tried not to dwell on, but they were moments her mind tortured her within those daylight hours she found sleep elusive. What would Aido think of her if he found out? She didn't know if Zero was someone who would throw her under the bus if it suited him. Would he even think it inappropriate to say? He was raised, a Hunter, he would have studied his pray, she reasoned.
She's gone again, Aido thought of Akane's distraction.
"Akane!" he called playfully, bending to be eye level, waggling a finger at her teasingly. "You're ignoring me when I'm being all sincere. You might not get an opportunity to see it again, so I suggest you pay attention." Akane watched him as he straightened, sending her a fond smile. "I'm sorry I worried you." He can never find out!
"You know, you make it very hard to be unreasonable when you're being so reasonable." Aido laughed and pulled Akane in for an overdue hug.
His senses were engulfed by her scent. He breathed in deeply, just long enough to enjoy the smell and not allow the burn of his thirst or his heart taint the mood.
"I'll tell Lord Kaname about the guard. He had no reason to upset you like that," he said as he pulled away.
"If you'd come back, I wouldn't have needed to speak with him in the first place," Akane jested petulantly with a pout.
"The headmaster wasn't there and Cross and Kiryu didn't know when he'd be back. I thought I'd stay a little while and catch him." Akane sighed, nodding. She knew Aido hadn't upset her intentionally, and honestly, she was just glad he hadn't found out about her 'saving' Zero.
The days leading up to the Night Class's return, saw Aido and Akane's relationship returning to some semblance of normality. Akane still wanted to have a more serious discussion about everything that had happened but didn't want to disturb the peace they had right now. I'll let everything settle. There's no need to drag everything up yet. She wanted to explain her reasoning on where they stood with each other but, as with many things, Akane turned away from facing a potentially painful and awkward conversation with her friend, favouring the familiar banter and companionship she'd missed.
When the Night Class returned on Tuesday night, Aido and Akane had been down in the archive room, where Aido was giving her a look at the more inspiring Vampire literature. He'd become concerned after finding Akane reading through the Unfortunate books again and wanted to show her some of the more popular and uplifting stories and histories of his race. It was a strange feeling, to want to portray your species in a better light. Aido had never once had the urge or inclination to do so. He'd never cared what others thought.
Akane had shown him since he'd met her, the more animalistic, dangerous and crueller aspects of their nature. From the obsessive delight, he had with her scent, to the fact he hadn't cared about her feelings or perception of him until he had started caring, all because she was Human. Had he come across her outside of Cross Academy and its rules imposed on all Vampires, he would have killed her and not cared that he had cheated himself out of someone so complex, interesting and infuriatingly out of his reach.
The Night Class fell back into their usual routine of classes and changeovers come Wednesday. Miu, Kimiko, and the others were all smiling, happy to see that, Akane and Aido appeared to be back to normal as they walked together. Akane smiling and waving at them after hitting Aido's arm and dragging his giggling self away after he kissed Kimiko's hand, causing her to pale at the many glares sent her way from the Day Class.
"You're such an imbecile!" Ruka said, flipping her hair as she walked past.
"Why, dear cousin, I'm disappointed. Is that really the best you could do?" Ruka sent Aido a nasty scowl, huffed, then walked on up the steps to the school building, but not before her critical eyes travelled over Akane, stood beside him. What did I do?!
As the week progressed, everyone settled back into their routines, except on Friday, when Akane noticed something out of the ordinary. She was still awake after returning from class and was walking the halls to the kitchen for a drink. The sun had risen hours ago and Akane usually had the daylight hours to herself but could smell the scent of one of The Moon Dorm's residents. It was fresh and heady, almost floral, a very pleasant scent Akane had caught once or twice within the dorms but couldn't recall who it belonged to. Deciding this individual was probably having trouble sleeping, like herself, she disregarded the scent and carried on down the stairs and into the corridor of the kitchen.
In hindsight, she noted the incident as strange when she caught the same scent later that night when everyone was gathered in the entrance, ready for school. The scent had caught her attention as a small group of four Vampires walked by, except the scent had a different quality. It had a plumb-like undertone to it. She thought it odd, but the thought was brushed aside as soon as Aido's scent invaded her senses. She dismissed it as another of the group and thought no more of it, until Monday, when Kaname was summoned to Kaien's office when a girl from the Day Class had fainted due to a suspected Vampire attack.
The Night Class had still been getting ready to leave when Yuki arrived with the summons. Only Akane, Shiki, Ichijo and Rima had been punctual that evening, so, the task of informing the rest of the Night Class fell to The Vice President. Akane was pacing in the lobby, refusing to leave until Kaname returned and she could confirm her friends were ok. Ichijo had tried to console her when she'd begun worrying her lip with her teeth, unable to sit still, but quickly realised, he wouldn't be getting anywhere and took up a seat next to Aido and Kain, to wait for the Lord of The Moon Dorms to return.
Kaname sighed on his way back to The Moon Dorms. Kaien had said not to worry, that the prefects would investigate and handle it. He didn't suspect a member of the Night Class, but Kaname was not so convinced. If this was one of the Vampires under his authority at the academy, then they were undermining that authority, as well as completely disregarding the rules set down by The Hunters Association and The Vampire Council. He could not be seen to be lenient towards one of his followers after asserting himself against The Board of Ancients. This would need some careful thought and planning if he wished to apprehend the individual before they became fearful of the consequences.
Akane's head swivelled to the door as her masters' scent drew near. She watched, waiting as the hinges creaked in protest as he entered. Kaname stepped inside the lobby, his senses instinctually picking out the scent of his progeny, stood rigid and impatient for news on her Human friends.
"What did Headmaster Cross say, Kaname?" Ichijo asked, standing to greet his friend and Lord as he moved to sit in one of the chairs. Ruka moved to stand next to Kaname as he seated himself, throwing a glance at Akane, feeling satisfied seeing her stood away from Kaname and his most loyal.
"The Headmaster isn't suspicious of anyone in the Night Class and has left the investigation in Yuki and Kiryu's hands. He believes it's a rogue who took the opportunity while we were away." There was a strange sense of validation the group felt to know Kaien Cross, The Vampire Without Fangs, the most decorated and formidable Vampire Hunter for centuries, didn't suspect anyone from the Night Class to have attacked the Human. They also felt their headmaster was naïve in his dismissal of their threat.
"And, what of the girl?" Ichijo asked, glancing at Akane, waiting on bated breath to hear about her friends.
"She's fine and will make a full recovery. She doesn't remember anything about the incident." At this, Kaname turned to acknowledge Akane. He was caught by her eyes for a moment. They were wide and expectant but so hard like she was attempting to shield herself from him. "She was not among your friends Miss Nakamura." Akane's shoulders dropped but almost immediately stiffened again. Kaname watched her relief be replaced with another hard frown as she sent him a nod before trotting back up the stairs to her room.
Aido watched her go, itching to follow and check on her. He didn't like that sudden change in her mood but knew his Lord had more to discuss, so settled back into his chair uneasily. This could not have been timed worse! Akane was at odds with her Vampire identity as it was. She had confided in him recently that she still struggled with her more Vampiric attributes and feared she would change drastically in time if she did not reconcile the displacement, she felt with herself. Kaname noted the blond's thoughtful frown and his fidgeting hands, a trait he'd picked up from his progeny, he believed.
"Aido," he called, gaining his attention immediately. "Please see that Miss Nakamura is alright. I fear this has stirred up unwelcome memories and emotions." Aido nodded, relieved he was permitted to leave rather than ask, or wait until the discussion had come to its conclusion. Kaname waited for the sound of Akane's door to close before he addressed the rest of his inner circle. "I'd like you to question the victim, Miss Kita. She is currently recovering in the infirmary. The headmaster has said she has no recollection of the event, but I want you to find out if anything untoward may have happened."
"Does the headmaster think she's lying, perhaps, protecting someone?" Ruka asked.
"No, he has every faith in all his students."
In the shadows of his room, a male Vampire quietly closed his door. Thoughts of relief and joy at realising he would not be implicated in such a scandal. To have lost himself once was forgivable, but he had visited her thrice at this point and had almost alerted the converted Unfortunate to his daily ventures. Watching her stop and scent the air when he'd returned Friday had been a tense wait for her to move on. He would not slip and potentially embarrass Lord Kaname again. But… couldn't I see her, just one last time?
Akane had assured Aido that she was not upset, that she was touched he worried for her but that she wished to be alone for a while. She was thankful he'd respected her request to leave her with her thoughts, but now she was truly left with them. If the girl had been a friend, she would have been angry, concerned, terrified even, but when Kaname told her the victim had been a stranger, she had felt such a sense of relief. But, was that right?
A Human still got attacked by a Vampire. A Human still went through the trauma of being bitten and drained. She still endured and experienced the hopelessness of being reduced to prey. On top of that, the culprit could very well be a member of the Night Class, and if not, then the security at the academy needed to be overhauled drastically. She should still be angry, concerned and terrified, because this could happen again, just as it happened before, to Miu.
"Argh!" Akane exclaimed, shutting the book she'd failed to distract herself with. I should be angry, for that girl's sake at least. The coward that hurt her removed his crime from her memory, so he wouldn't get caught. What's to stop him from doing it again?
Aido was bored, sitting in one of the recreation rooms within The Moon Dorms. He'd left Akane as she'd asked but he wished she would have taken up his offer of a distraction with a game. He'd passed Rima and Shiki on his way down and was disappointed to learn they'd been tasked with questioning the victim by Kaname and he'd been left out.
"It's rather quiet in the dorms, considering the temporary break and all," said a voice behind him. Aido sighed.
"It's because 'V.P. and Co.' aren't here." The Vampire stopped behind him with a thoughtful expression, his blond hair falling perfectly around his oval-shaped face.
"I wonder if it's due to that incident with the Human girl?" he pondered allowed. Aido leant back in his chair, admitting defeat in his attempt to read the book he'd picked up from the pile in Akane's room.
"Who knows. The Vampire responsible is probably long gone by now anyway." The Vampire said no more to Aido.
Knock, knock! Sounded at Akane's door. She frowned but moved from her bed and opened the door for Kaname.
"Kuran," she greeted evenly.
"Miss Nakamura, may I come in? I'd like your assistance." Intrigued, Akane invited the Pureblood in, closing the door behind him. "I've asked Ichijo and the others to check on Miss Kita, the Day Class student who was attacked." Akane nodded, folding her arms, suddenly uncomfortable at the mention of the Human, mainly that she hadn't once thought to ask after the victim's name. Would I have asked if I was still Human?
"I'm not as convinced as the headmaster that the culprit could not have come from the Night Class. So, I'd like to ask if you will lend me your senses?"
"My senses?"
"Your sense of smell, to be precise."
"Do I look like a Bloodhound to you Kuran?" Akane said incredulously.
"We've already established your sense of smell is far more sensitive than anyone else within the Night Class. I believe, if the culprit is among our number, they will return to feed again, possibly tonight."
Akane walked to her purple chair, seated herself and regarded Kaname curiously.
"What makes you so sure they'd go back tonight? Wouldn't it be smarter for the individual to wait, at least until the heat is off?" Kaname was glad he and Akane were speaking civilly, that she was cooperating, or at the very least, entertaining the idea of conversing with him. He moved to lean against one of Akane's chest of draws, wanting to look as unthreatening as possible.
Lately, Kaname and his progeny had been at odds, more so than before. He preferred this more relaxed atmosphere between them, even though the air was still palpable with her caution and mistrust of him. He much preferred to work together, come to an agreement to help each other, rather than use one another. He liked her enquiring stare; it revealed her clever and more innocent nature. Whereas, her accusatory gazes showed, far too harshly, her pain and disappointment within the depths of her eyes.
"There were three separate bite marks found on Miss Kita's body. The bruising around the wounds provided Headmaster Cross with enough evidence to conclude they were inflicted over three separate days." Akane frowned, her leg bouncing as she thought over Kaname's words. Three days? "Now, the Night Class has been back longer than this, however, I refuse to accept a rouge Vampire gained entry to the academy, and it's students, for three nights in a row, without raising an alarm." Akane met her master's eyes, searching for any hidden agenda or incentive that he was failing to express, but the steady stare from his dark, mahogany eyes revealed nothing.
"I'm still not convinced this Vampire will try to attack tonight."
"He has a taste for her now." These words caught Akane's attention. "If he is within the Night Class, he knows the headmaster believes we are faultless. If it is a rouge, then he would have no idea the Humans have been alerted. Either way, the Vampire is at a disadvantage."
Akane couldn't argue with that logic. She sat in silence, pondering. The fact this all happened over three nights was sticking with Akane for some reason. Why was this piece of information important? Kaname watched Akane as she stood and began pacing around her room. He could see something he'd said had resonated with her and was intrigued to know where her mind would take her.
"If a Vampire feeds, can their scent change?" she asked, flicking her forest, green eyes to the Pureblood.
"No, but the scent of their victim can cling to them for a time. Why?"
"Because I might know the scent of the culprit."
Kaname straightened and moved to Akane as she revealed what she'd smelled on Friday. She explained she thought the change in the scent was due to one of the other Vampires in the lobby as if she was trying to defend herself.
"I took it for granted. I didn't know it was a Human scent." She felt responsible for this. If she'd paid closer attention, maybe she could have stopped him on Friday.
"You are not to blame Miss Nakamura. Miss Kita is safe, and we can stop this from happening again." Kaname held Akane's rigid arms, attempting to soothe her guilt by brushing them lightly.
Kaname was surprised at the sudden change in his progeny. Her misplaced guilt was even more concerning. Why she felt this was her fault was beyond him, if anything, the fault was his. This Vampire was under his command, as Aido had been. Yet, unlike Aido, this Vampire had succeeded in keeping his activities secret from the Pureblood. He had become complacent and overlooked his duties as a Pureblood and a Dorm President. He would not allow others to undermine his authority on this!
"Do you believe you could find this scent again, Miss Nakamura?" Akane nodded, completely negating the fact her master's calming voice and touch were having the desired effect.
The night was clear, stars twinkling in the sky. The Moon shone its silvery glow on the grounds of Cross Academy, turning every drop of moisture into tiny diamonds nestled among the foliage. Akane had found the scent of the Vampire in the lobby and followed his scent through the staff entrance at the back of the dorms. His scent was strong in the air, meaning he'd left relatively recently. The pair walked along the tree line, following the Vampire's trail. He'd kept himself amongst the shadows of the trees, ensuring no one could pick up his outline.
Kaname observed Akane as she stalked. He wondered if she realised, she was even doing it. She walked with precise steps, planting her feet lightly yet firmly. Her eyes, focused ahead, while her nose and ears picked up everything else around her, including him it would seem.
"Is there a reason for you staring at me, Kuran?" Akane whispered, turning her head. Kaname had not expected her to speak to him, though her tone was irritable, she had invited a conversation.
"I'm curious, Miss Nakamura?"
"Oh yeah, about what?"
"What you think of yourself, as a Vampire." Akane stopped.
Kaname stepped beside her and watched as emotions swam over her face. Guilt, sorrow, pain, uncertainty, confusion, anger. Ah, I see, Kaname thought while Akane tried to collect her thoughts. She hadn't expected such a question and the sudden influx of thoughts and emotions caught her off guard.
"I don't think that has anything to do with you, Kuran," she said evenly. Kaname let Akane walk ahead for a few paces before he moved to follow her.
"I have never been Human," Kaname began, causing Akane's frown to deepen. She didn't want to discuss this with Kaname. She'd only just started explaining this to Aido! She glanced at the Pureblood from the corner of her eye as he continued. "So, I don't know how this transition has affected you. I never got to spend much time with turned Vampires. Those I did, were always instructed to never speak to me."
"Is there a point to this?" Kaname smiled lightly.
"I realise, recent events, and my conduct during those events, have negatively affected your view on my race, as well as, possibly, your view of yourself. I want you to understand, the quality Humans call Humanity, is not something Vampires, such as Level E's, possess, but that does not mean the rest of us cannot understand or exercise it." The ex-Human took a deep breath to steady her heart. She disliked that her master could read her so easily, and throw her off so quickly, with just a few words. It was so unfair! The power Purebloods had over the rest of them, especially when they didn't even need to exercise that power to have everyone bend to their will.
"But my view of you is spot on, right?" Akane asked in a hard tone while watching her master out of the corner of her eye as he walked beside her with the grace and beauty of a perfect predator.
"I am no more nor less than as I have presented myself, Miss Nakamura." They continued in silence, making their way to the perimeter wall of The Sun Dorms and quickly finding the culprit attempting to navigate the wall. He was so focused on getting to his desired prize, he failed to notice the Pureblood and his progeny, silently advancing towards him.
At Kaname's subtle gesture, Akane stopped and hung back to wait and watch as he moved closer to grasp the Vampire in a firm grip, not so much as flinched as he jerked, attempting to free himself. Haru Yukimura had blond hair and honey-brown eyes. He was tall and lean and exceptionally attractive, and Akane realised, she recognised him as the Vampire she'd stopped in the corridor on the day they left for the term break. Aido had even introduced him to her on her tour of The Moon Dorms, describing him as quiet and unassuming.
Kaname's grip was unapologetic. He forced Haru's twisting hands behind his back laughably easily. It irritated him that this boy had disobeyed him so blatantly, he wished to make such an example, that The Vampire Council and The Board of Ancients wouldn't dare interrupt his plans at Cross Academy again.
"You are too bold, Yukimura," Kaname said in a deep tone. Now that the Vampire was secured, Akane felt more confident to walk nearer and stand to the side, not sure what she was expected to do if he managed to free himself. But, Kaname's hands were like shackles on Haru's wrists.
"Did you think it'd be easier to enter, with Takuma and the others making such a fuss among the Day Class near the infirmary? Were you going to wait for Miss Kita to get back to her room? Who would have thought you were so cunning, Yukimura." Akane was uncomfortable with the scene. Kaname was angry, she could feel it, as she was sure, Haru could, judging by his shaking and his wide, moist eyes, but Kaname's expression was calm, almost understanding, matching his placating tone perfectly.
"I know it w-was a foolish thing to d-do, Lord Kuran. I'm t-truly sorry to…"
"That's quite alright. I understand Yukimura." Akane stiffened at the change in Kaname's tone, and watched, as he brought a hand to the boy's shoulder. It would almost seem like a comforting gesture from a superior if it wasn't for the bruising grip Kaname still had on the younger males' wrists.
Kaname pulled the frightened boy away from the wall he'd secured him against, pulling him to stand more firmly on his feet, so he could lean closer to speak directly into his ear.
"You like this Human, but you must know this cannot be allowed to continue without putting the Night Class in danger. But, not to worry, I will ensure this idiotic and dangerous behaviour doesn't happen again!"
This level of intimidation was frightening, and Akane was concerned. She knew who and what Kaname was, but this boy only knew him as the Pureblood, the last of the Kurans. Akane also realised, compared to Kaname, this boy, was just that, a boy. Misguided, a teenager, probably only introduced to Humans after coming to Cross Academy. He'd made a stupid mistake that had threatened the Night Class's anonymity, but that's all! The girl hadn't died, Yukimura looked remorseful for hurting her, and terrified for disobeying Kaname, but Kaname was treating him like an enemy he'd captured and would play judge, jury and executioner.
Akane reacted before she realised what she was doing. She held her master's arm firmly, but even knowing her move had stopped him, she could feel his strength far surpassed her own. There'd be no way she could stop this Pureblood from doing anything physically, and, although she knew this already, to feel the confirmation through her hands was terrifying. Kaname stared at the wide-eyed, pleading look of his progeny's face. He'd had to quell his power at her intervention, so he didn't damage her, but he found her action intrigued him.
"Kuran, he's had enough!" Akane reasoned shakily. "He's just a boy. He made a stupid mistake, yes, and he's sorry, but he doesn't deserve to die for it!
"I can't allow this to be forgiven, Miss Nakamura. I cannot be seen as being lenient or weak with such disobedience."
"Since when is compassion and understanding weakness, Kuran?" Akane pulled at his hand, wanting to move it from the back of Haru's head, where Kaname had intended to deliver the killing blow. Haru remained motionless, eyes squeezed shut, barely breathing as the blood rushed through his ears and terror gripped his heart. "You told me Vampires have the capacity for Humanity, but I have yet to see a shred of it from you! Or is it, that Purebloods, are above such frivolous emotions?"
Kaname considered Akane for a long moment. Her hands shook at the attempt to move his away from Haru, but she didn't back away from his stare. She looked him right in the eye and held his gaze. Strange, there's power in her command, Kaname thought as he felt his progeny's wish to let Haru live. He had never felt the pull of compulsion before, it was new, weak, compared to the strength of his power, but it was defiantly there.
"Please, Kaname, this is what the Night Class is for, learning to understand how to co-exist. This situation was bound to happen eventually, but it's one we can learn from. Don't just kill him for his naivety and nature."
"He cannot go unpunished."
"Then send him home! Expel him, but don't send him back to his family in a box!" Akane's passionate words moved something in Kaname. Maybe it was because she'd called him by his first name? Or maybe, because she'd 'Humanised' Yukimura, by pointing out Kaname's intention with the aftermath of his decision. Her next words assured Haru's life. "Vampires feel the pain of loss so deeply Kaname, you, of all people, know that."