It is chapter 7! Enjoy the show my reviewers!

Disclaimer: I do not own Xiaolin Showdown or its characters

They were all staring at Raimundo as if he had gone mad.

"After last night's incident, De Luca-san is left with no partner," Raimundo added, as if what he was saying was the most natural thing. "So, when I was asked, I told the vampire girl similar words as De Luca-san haphazardly answered – to help her have a partner."

"Please explain this further," Kimiko said in annoyance, shaking slightly. "Why wasn't I even informed about this scheme of yours from the beginning?"

"This was to help you," Raimundo answered, unfazed. "And as the student council president, I feel that it is my duty to assist the new student and the newest member of the Pur-Sang in every way I can."

Kimiko rolled her eyes in exasperation. The others were looking at the two of them in surprise.

"Don't go deciding for people, Raimundo," Kimiko said, the change in addressing Raimundo eliciting a shocked gasp from Alix. "You can't lead others around, and you can't make people follow you just because you feel like it."

Raimundo regarded Kimiko with surprise. No one has ever questioned his decision before. He only did this because he was helping her.

"What is going on, Raimundo?" Haruna said in a broken voice.

"I ask to be forgiven, Haruna," Raimundo said, approaching her. "But I intend to keep my promise to De Luca-san's father that I shall take care of her during her stay here."

"I am doing very well on my own!" Kimiko said indignantly. This was just like her overprotective father to ask someone to look after her.

Raimundo chuckled, as if putting her outburst behind him and moving on. "I see that," he said. "That's why you managed to reject a partner with a nervous fit."

Kimiko blushed and walked away, going to her room and slamming the door.

At the De Luca Manor Celia looked thoughtful, "I hope our daughter is doing well," she said, sipping a cup of fresh blood slowly while scanning the view of the night sky.

The De Luca couple had been gone most of the time, engaging more in the vampire world and preparing for the ball that they would be hosting in Alyssum Academy. There was no time to rest or to be private. They had gone out of hiding to be reunited with the world they once knew.

"I'm sure she is doing her best," Fiammetta replied, closing the book that he was reading. "Deoderia assured me so."

Celia nodded. "But that Xiao-Yu girl…"

"What about her?"

Celia's blue eyes turned cold with malice. "You know that I have a gift of vision, Fiammetta. I have entered Kimiko's mind more than once to be assured that she is being treated properly."

Fiammetta leaned over from his seat, watching his wife intently. He was against some of her sneaky methods, but if it involves their daughter, he had to comply. He knew that there was something going on that Kimiko was hiding.

"What happened?" he asked in a hushed tone.

"Xiao-Yu Haruna engaged our daughter in a meaningless squabble over the Shizuoka heir," Celia said, rolling her eyes in distaste. "She is… jealous, of the attention Kimiko has brought upon herself."

"And what about the Shizuoka heir?" he asked again. "I was under the impression that he sought to take care of our daughter."

"Yes, he had been doing well in it. He had stopped the fight after all," Celia assured him. She could feel her husband's energies spiking, and it was not good to see De Luca Fiammetta angry. "Xiao-Yu Haruna wounded Kimiko, but she managed to be calm about the situation. But I am worried, Fiammetta."

The De Luca head stood up abruptly. His normally cold demeanor turned icy. "Is this why there had been reports about Sang-Contamine sightings near the academy?"

"Yes," Celia said carefully, laying a calming hand on her husband's shoulder. "Please sit down, Fiammetta. Do not underestimate your daughter's abilities. She is the most powerful vampire of her generation as of now. She has remained civil about her affairs at school and has tried her best in every aspect. Let us not demean her efforts."

Fiammetta nodded, sitting down. "But we must increase her protection."

"Yes," Celia agreed. "Especially during the ball. Apparently, the cause of the rift between our Kimiko and Xiao-Yu Haruna was that Shizuoka Raimundo chose our daughter to be his partner for the ball."

Celia suppressed her laughter as she saw her husband's eyebrows and lips twitch. Fiammetta had always been overprotective when it comes to Kimiko and Deoderia. The two poor girls could not find proper love lives on their own because Fiammetta guarded them like a hound. Celia wanted to ease her husband's tension but she knew that she could not help but be anxious as well. Anyone could take advantage of a pureblood heiress. And it came as a shock to her that the Shizuoka heir would invite the De Luca heiress to be his partner. It was unusual and unheard of.

"I wonder, maybe Raimundo-sama chose our daughter to be his partner to protect her, as he promised to you," Celia said, wanting her husband to be relieved.

Fiammetta let out a huff, which seemed condescending enough. "But we still have to employ guards to watch over Kimiko."

Celia sighed. "And what will Fung-sama say about that? I fear he would say that we think his abilities as headmaster are not enough."

"Well, he cannot oversee an entire school with hundreds of students alone," Fiammetta said. "Kimiko has just been attacked by Sang-Contamine. This just goes to show that the academy lacks security. I will station guards for her, Celia. And try talking to your – " he paused, contemplating coldly at the word, " – siblings, once in a while. Let them know that you are anxious for your daughter's condition and that they, especially for your brother, should always keep the Pur-Sang's best interests at heart, and not their personal vendettas."

Celia groaned inwardly at this. She slumped back almost ungracefully to her seat but quickly corrected herself. It has been years since she talked informally to her siblings – Chiyo and Xi'an. After she had been married to the De Luca heir, the Xiao-Yu family practically disowned her. It was like a venomous practice amongst the Pur-Sang. Whoever marries into the Black Sheep family will be disowned. It was an unfair personal code, and unjust discrimination. It was usually the weakest or youngest offspring that was presented for a wedding interview with the De Luca's. And the family would not be very choosy, since they knew of this way they were being treated.

Fortunately enough, Xiao-Yu Celia was married to a kind-hearted De Luca, one who vowed to protect her and cherish her. She had not been regretful that she was married to the De Luca family. She was grateful, because she would not have to live under scrutiny since there was already an established reputation about them. She did not like her birth family anyway. Chiyo had been kind, but the duties entrusted to her and being chosen as the Shizuoka bride made the two sisters drift apart. Xi'an was ambitious and wise, along with his wife; but she will not let her brother's oldest attack her daughter.

Celia chose to be distant with her family, since they did not care. They chose to act civilly towards each other, but that was it. However, she knew when it was time to speak up. If it means defending and preserving her daughter's well-being, she would fight until death. And she would not be worried if she had to go against the Shizuoka or Xiao-Yu family. God knows, she was more powerful than Xi'an now and maybe quite enough of a match for Chiyo.

She stood up and followed her husband outside the study. She hastened to Deoderia's room to ask for help. They were going to choose Kimiko's dress for the ball.

"Is there something troubling you?" Alix asked while Luna was brushing her hair and looking over worriedly at her auburn-haired companion.

De Luca Kimiko had been staring outside her window for more than three minutes. After the encounter with Raimundo, Kimiko was still left furious and shocked. She had inkling as to what sort of environment he grew up in. She knew that he was used to getting everything that he wanted, but it was not fair at all. Kimiko knew that one simply does not have a way with the world. She was not as spoiled and revered as the rest of the Pur-Sang, and nor does she ever dreamed to be. There was hypocrisy in the hierarchy of the vampire world, and the De Luca family has taken the brunt of all of that.

"Sorry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I am just… displeased by the way Shizuoka Raimundo acted."

She could hear the suppressed gasp of Alix at the way she addressed Raimundo and a snort from Luna. But she did not care. As far as she knew they were all equals. She had to put her foot down. She had her rights.

"Yes, but Raimundo only did what he had promised to do," Alix justified, sitting on Kimiko's bed and moving close to her. "I do not think it's such a bad thing."

"Perhaps for you," Kimiko said gently, looking over at her two newly found friends. It was nice to have someone gentle and level-headed like Alix and a loyal secret keeping friend like Luna-chan. Both of them were not spoiled brats at all. Kimiko could also feel sympathy for Alix. The Tunda girl was not nurtured and cared for like other heirs in their circle. Kimiko knew how Alix was treated in her home, and she simply despised it.

"I just don't see the point," Kimiko continued. "I can protect myself. I am not a De Luca for nothing."

Alix smiled a bit sadly at that. "I think you now found out the harm in being a De Luca can bring."

I know that very well, Kimiko thought, feeling depression seep into her being. She did not let it bother her at first, implanting in her mind that she was not in Alyssum Academy to please others, but rather, to stand on her own two feet in the vampire society and prove once and for all that the De Luca's should be considered with respect.

"What was it like?" Alix suddenly asked.

"Hmm?" Kimiko said, looking at her friend.

"To be hiding for so long?" she added, her look turning glazed.

"Well, it's certainly not as bad as anyone would think," Kimiko said in fond amusement. "It's peaceful and wonderful. Although the only thing deprived of me is being able to go out freely. I think it's the same for all of us, though."

Alix nodded in agreement. "No one from the Pur-Sang can ever roam freely. Everyone in the vampire society is after our blood. Powerful as we are, we are the most vulnerable. Even for us, the families who are not in hiding, the children are not allowed to go outside as much as we please and if we do leave it is only for functions which are quite boring."

Luna nodded, "And even then we are protected twice as much."

Kimiko laughed. "Boring indeed," she agreed. "We don't have as much functions as you apparently have here, but we do celebrate important occasions. And they were always a source of laughter and merriment."

"Really?"

"Yes. The De Luca's are not brooding and scheming as everyone here seems to think. The past generations of De Luca heads have made it clear that we do not intend to wallow in the past. Unfortunately, not everyone in this society seems to agree. So we had to live in seclusion."

"Oh," Alix said, looking downcast. "Kimiko-chan, if ever you marry, who would be the heir of the De Luca clan? You are the only child, are you not?"

"Hm… yes," Kimiko said thoughtfully, as though she was not really serious about the matter. "I don't think I'm going to be married off though! Who would want me?"

"Don't jest," Luna said in reprimand. "You are by far the most beautiful being in existence!"

"You flatter me too much," Kimiko said, blushing slightly. "But if ever someone does marry me, then the second child would most probably be the next De Luca head. I think that is what the rules say."

"Oh yes, I remember," Alix said. "Even that is the case with Raimundo-kun."

"It's probably sad," Kimiko commented. "Not being able to choose who you are married to. I mean, the rest of the Pur-Sang has the option as to whom they should marry, even though their options are limited to their own kind. However, the Shizuoka's really don't have a choice."

"But isn't it fabulous and mysterious though?" Alix said. "After all these years, your betrothed is kept a secret. Only the best is chosen for you, and you are guaranteed to fall in love with this person. And it's not at all as you make it out to be for us Pur-Sang, Kimiko-chan."

"What do you mean?" Kimiko asked. "Is it not true that the rest of us have an option?"

"You do know what Bloodlust is, right?" Alix explained helpfully. "Not all of us know who our mates are for sure. But over time, their being and blood calls out to us, then we must respond. Therefore, we will know who is made for us."

Kimiko sighed. "That's pretty convenient." She briefly imagined having said Bloodlust for the other members of the Pur-Sang.

Omi-san? Kimiko thought, and suppressed a grunt of laughter. It was not that he was a bad choice, but she could not just picture herself with any mate any time soon. She knew that the time must be near, but she did not really dwell on that fact.

Abassi-san? She thought again but frowned. Adze Abassi was not really warm to her, so having the prospect that he could be her future husband was met with negative thoughts. She would just be ridiculed.

Then there was Clay-san. But it was clear that Alix and Clay already had Bloodlust for each other. As much as Alix tried to hide it, she could not conceal the numerous bite marks on her neck and the frequent smell of fresh Pur-Sang blood (which Kimiko knew belonged to Clay) that showed from her body.

So it was clear that the choice for the Blood Orchid was already narrowed down to two eligible young women – Xiao Yu Haruna and herself.

I'm betting on Haruna, she thought with an amused smile.

"I don't think I should bother with that at the moment," Kimiko said, laughing uncomfortably.

Alix consented, letting the matter pass while Luna went about braiding Kimiko's hair.

Raimundo paced in his study, a habit which he often did when he was thinking of something enjoyable. The source of his presence mood was the midnight-haired young woman who stood up to him. It was rare for such a gentle-acting creature to suddenly turn brave and fiery. It seemed that she was the type of person who would not put up a fight unless provoked. She had no sense of negativity about her, and it bothered him. He had been watching over her for the past weeks, and he could find no hint of malice within her. The only act of defiance he could recall was during the welcoming ceremonies where she chose to hide herself, and of course that little scene she had with him during broad daylight. He was not sure of anything about her, but he entranced nevertheless. He decided that it was best to calm his thoughts by strolling along the moonlight. He swiftly put on his shoes and went outside.

The breeze tugged his dark blue collared shirt. He inhaled the wonderful scent of the garden – with its flowers, bushes and trees. He could smell everything. He could see small animals wandering aimlessly from under the thickets.

A whooshing sound alerted him to the presence of somebody else. He turned around and saw De Luca Kimiko, observing him with a small frown. It was neither an unfriendly frown nor an angry one. It was just… sympathetic.

"You enjoy wandering the grounds at night as well?" Raimundo asked, ignoring his thoughts.

Kimiko nodded slowly, still wearing the sympathetic frown. She looked over the rose bushes and walked gracefully towards it, holding a white blossom in her delicate-looking hands.

Raimundo looked on with fascination at the way the light played on the features of her face, how her crystal eyes turned dark as they capture the shadows.

"I feel anxious," Kimiko finally spoke out, her voice a bit strained.

Raimundo did not ask, but waited for her to continue.

"I do not know my place but I do not want any place in this world of yours," Kimiko said. "I just want to be peaceful and happy. But I have to do my duties."

"We always sacrifice what we want the most," Raimundo said, walking over to where she stood.

"I wonder what you have to sacrifice for," she said aloud, clearly voicing her thoughts. As soon as she said this, she winced. In her preoccupation, a thorn pricked her hand.

"Clumsy," she said, giggling slightly. She was about to suck on her cut finger when a sudden spark of power made her turn around.

The soft night breeze that once enveloped the two vampires had turned into a biting wind. Leaves were torn from their stems and branches, swirling about the person who seemed to be responsible for what was going on.

Kimiko stared, wide-eyed, as Shizuoka Raimundo's eyes glowed red. The electric green in the sockets were no more, but was filled with crimson, glowering down at her startled face.

"W-what…?" she began to say, thinking of ways to contradict the smothering pressure that started to surround her. But she could not move, not because of fear or the inability to do anything, but because Raimundo's stare captivated her. It was like the pair of eyes were drawing her closer – beguiling her.

"Your… blood," he said in a rasped voice, reaching out to her. When he touched her arm, he yanked her towards him. She gasped as their bodies collided. She could not help but blush at the sudden contact.

What's happening? Is he hungry? Is this… Bloodlust? Kimiko refused to believe. She knew for a fact that the Shizuoka heir never felt Bloodlust until after the Blood Orchid has chosen. So this must be ordinary hunger, like the glows of crimson she witnessed when her parents and her Aunt Deoderia would bite into their assistants' necks. Blood was best served from the bodies of living things after all, and not in cold glasses which they thought civil for ordinary days and functions.

Raimundo held Kimiko's injured hand in a vice-like grip. He could not restrain himself and he did not know why. Perhaps because he hadn't drunk enough blood during dinner, but he wasn't one to succumb to starvation. He also did not have a large appetite to begin with. But there was something about the color and the smell, oh the smell, of Kimiko's blood that made him move and yearn for it. He wanted to taste it, to drink it…

"Raimundo…" was all Kimiko could breathe out.

His predatory form suddenly stiffened as he let go of her hand, the pricked finger oozing with blood.

Kimiko looked over in worry at the Shizuoka heir who suddenly had a lapse. His face was paler than usual and his eyes were wide in shock. He wasn't looking at her as he muttered an apology and disappeared.

After watching him leave Kimiko walked over to the magnificent fountain that helped glorify the gardens. Sitting down she healed herself as she watched the water flow through the porcelain angels. Sighing she put her head in her hands. It doesn't make any sense . . . Why would he Bloodlust after her? She didn't understand. She was a De Luca for Kami's sake!

Do not fear! More chapters are to come!

Read and Review my minons! *Bows*