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SHIKI

Chapter 22: Declaration

Though the drive to the Academy didn't take long, everything that came and happened after we got there seemed to take an eternity.

All preparations from moving and gathering while being discreet to and from the school grounds to an underground mansion nobody knew even existed while keeping look out at the mansion and making sure everyone was safe during the moving took a lot of time, and even worse, it kept me from seeing Rima.

I hated the anxious feeling I had in my body, my heart, my very core that was brought on by the fact that I wasn't with her as she was recovering. Not knowing how she was taking to this sudden turn of events from a normal vampire school girl to having to be protected at all times of the day and night.

I had duties assigned to me and I had to help without question, after all everything was being done to protect Rima so I had to make sure that it was going as perfect and flawless as possible, but even so I wanted to throw away the responsibilities to go and see her. Though I knew that she was being protected by trusted vampires, I still felt uneasy.

"You really should focus a bit more" came the voice of Ruka behind me.

I didn't have to turn around and face her to know that behind her followed Akatsuki, after all wherever she went he went too.

Instead of answering her I continued to look at the blue print of the mansions underground layout.

"I'm sorry" she apologized with a small laugh. "This has made us all feel a little unrested and excited for some more than others."

And she was right. There were a numerous amount of vampires here that joined in expectation to fight and kill hunters from the association.

"I was sent to report to you that Rima's progressing fairly well but she's still to weak to speak" she explained sounding a bit worried for the last part.

"She seems to be looking for someone every time she awakes" she went on. "When will you go and see her?" she asked innocently.

"I would have gone immediately but I have some work to over look" I told her trying to even my voice. She was right.

What was I waiting for?

I felt Ruka's feelings change at once from worry to a darker aura and I understood why.

"Shiki-senpai, Kaname-sama is looking for you" came the sudden voice of Yuuki.

Though she was the only human allowed, everyone knew that she was to never be touched unless it was for protection ordered by Kaname himself.

There she stood pleasantly in her school uniform once again all smiles. At once Ruka left the way she came without another word, Akatsuki not far behind her like a quite shadow.

Putting the paper work down, I got up to follow her when I noticed a black large dog keeping guard not too far behind her. A piece of Kaname himself of course.

She bent down to hug the dog like a little girl and the animal in turn licked her.

She smiled apologetically as she began to lead the way through the halls of the mansion which had been designed as a maze, perfect to confuse any unwanted guests.

"Were almost there Shiki-senpai " she informed after a very long walk where we passed many busy vampires. Not long after that the large dog stopped and quickly jumped in front of Yuuki protecting her. It was than that I smelled the scent of blood and lots of it before hearing a very loud crash coming from somewhere not far off to the side direction of us.

I quickly brought Yuuki close to me before I looked her in the eyes. "Rima" I said.

And she understood what I meant. I knew that leaving her there with only the dog to guard her was sure to get me in trouble with Kaname, something that would be very stupid. I quickly grabbed her hand and began running towards the room where Rima was recovering. There were many others all over the place as we were readying for any other attacks.

Zero appeared in front of me causing me to stop.

"I'll take Yuuki from here" he said looking past me and at her.

"I thought there were no hunters on our side" I stated looking right at him.

It was the dog that answered me by sitting infront of him, letting me know that he could be trusted.

I turned to look at Yuuki. "I'm sorry" I apologized "If I put you in danger" I explained before releasing her hand continuing to run towards where Rima was.

I knew that the blood was not Rima's but it did little to comfort me.

"Senri-sama!" One of the guards at the door didn't seem to know what to do.

"The hunters have begun their attacks!"

I quickly threw open the door and ran to her side. She was on her bed holding onto the stuffed rabbit I gave her so many years ago.

She was dressed in a thin long black lacy knight gown with her hair down flowing over her shoulders.

She looked scared and weak, she looked fragile like a human. I was scared that she would shatter at the slightest touch.

She smiled when she saw me and held the stuffed animal closer.

I walked over to her and sat on the corner of the bed near her. I sighed in relief that she hadn't been hurt.

She looked at me in wonder. Her eyes shining against the light in the pale windowless room.

I couldn't stop myself. I reached out and gently took her into my arms taking in her scent.

"I'm sorry" I whispered kissing the top of her head.

"Im so sorry."

"You were the one who gave me this stuffed animal" she said clearly too weak to speak much.

I pulled back confused. She looked at me with an innocent blank look.

"Rima?"

"You are Shiki. We met a long time ago?'' she asked needing confirmation.

I couldn't believe it. She couldn't seem to remember me.

"I cant remember much after that" she confessed coughing lightly.

"I'm sorry I can't remember you..."

"Im sorry I can't remember ever loving you" she said looking me in the eye, and breaking my heart.

~End of a sweet dream but I'll show you another one~

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