Chapter 7:

Sudden News

I can hear voices in my dream…

Am I half-asleep or really awake?

Who are these people I hear?

Why is it that I can feel and hear the cold breeze?

I can feel someone beside me…

Who is it?

Where… am I?

*…*…*…*

I opened my eyes slowly and saw everything blurred with a tint of red… am I… thirsty for blood as I awoke? Maybe so; I closed my eyes again and rubbed them slightly to clear my sight a bit. As I opened them again, I could see worried faces inches upon mine. It was all my dearest friends' faces. I guess I worried them again… I thought. Just as my thoughts were registering, I finally knew that I was in my room. But how did I get here? Did someone carry me all the way here? It took me a while to complete my train of thought. I felt a warm hand on my cheek; I snapped out and saw Spook beside me.

"How are you feeling?" He asked me as he smiled and I shrugged.

"A little better, I guess. How did I get into my room though?" I asked him this time.

"I carried you of course. How else would you get up here?" He smirked.

"Thanks. Sorry I worried you guys." I apologized with a smile and he smiled back.

"No problem; anything for our ohime-sama."

"Come to think of it, where are the others? When I first opened my eyes, I thought they were all staring at me."

"They just went to get you some food. You were unconscious for 3 days."

"I was? Seemed like the festival was only yesterday… how were the students and the guests then? They were out of danger right?"

"You don't have to worry. They were all fine. The guests all went home before sun set that day and Mineko had put up the barrier you requested."

"I see… by the way…" I paused.

"Yes?" He asked as he waited for me to answer back.

"What was your dream when you told me you overslept that afternoon during the fight?" I asked as I looked up at the ceiling.

"It's a long story. Actually, it was a nightmare at first."

"Tell me… please?"

"Okay… well… my nightmare was that it happened after the first fight with one of Hajime's clones in front of the mansion. You were with Mineko and Reira that time though… with a serious face which was also full of rage and with a dark aura forming around you three. It was then when you chanted, 'Get him,' you three attacked me all at once. You with your gun, and the others with their own weapons… after the battle with Mineko and Reira, you were all that was left to handle. When you attacked me from high above the ground, I saw an opening and slashed you hard with my blade. You were helplessly bleeding on the ground then I had the urge to apologize when I was myself again. To be honest, that time, I was taken over by my brother's own soul. I never intended to kill you three. It never even crossed my mind until after that nightmare. I thought of ways to prevent that from happening in this reality. When I went back to sleep, the nightmare never occurred again and I was dreaming of someone I care about. End of the oversleeping story." He smiled again as he finished. Although, when he mentioned the part of dreaming someone he cared about, I wondered who it was. Was she from his country maybe? I don't know. I don't want to question him about that yet. It might turn out to be embarrassing anyway.

"Did I bore you?" He added.

"Not at all… geez, that really was a nightmare. But is it real that you have your brother's soul inside you?" I asked him as I looked away slightly.

"Yes. It's true. But don't worry. I won't change unknowingly. I could never let him take over me ever again." He said, this time holding my trembling hand.

We heard a knock on the door and I smelled food right away. I just noticed that I could see everything with a tint of red. I guess I'm still thirsty for blood. When Spook stood up to open the door, I saw Mineko and Reira with two trays of food. One big tray was filled with their food since they got hungry, and the other was for me. I saw a small box of blood tablets next to the tea cup. Finally, I could quench this thirst. Good timing.

"Uhmm… guys? Isn't this a bit too much food?" I asked raising one eyebrow, still staring at the tray of food on the small table that was placed on the bed over my lap.

"Well you were unconscious for 3 whole days so why not intake this much, ne?" Reira told me with a big grin on her face.

"I have to agree with her, Riko." Mineko smiled as she added to the conversation.

"I most certainly agree myself…" Spook replied while eating cake.

I rolled my eyes at their statements and started eating as well before I hear my stomach growl and embarrass myself. Wait a minute… they said I was unconscious for 3 days… which means… oh no… school!

"Hey. What happened to the student council while I was out of it?" I asked and then they all stared right back at me. Something wasn't right; I could feel it.

"Well… we'll tell you bit please promise us you won't freak or faint again." Mineko told me seriously and I knew I could never refuse her.

"Yes… I promise." I replied.

Before telling me, they nodded at each other; agreeing to each other that it would be for the best to tell me right here and now what happened to the student council.

"Odoriko… you're out of your presidential post at the council."

I couldn't help but get shocked by this sudden news. I stiffened and wide-eyed as Mineko informed me of this. I couldn't speak. I was in a blank state now. I started trembling and the next thing I knew, I cried. I couldn't help it. I loved being the council president. It was really fun; working for the sake of the students, arranging events, having fun with my friends. How could this have happened?

"Odoriko… listen to me. This is for the best. It's for your condition. Since Hajime is back to hunt us down, we can't be caught off guard. Headmaster Ryu told us himself. We don't want you to get hurt physically. We know being the student council president is very precious to you, but for now… you have to let go. You have to stay safe. We can't let our best friend die for our sake." Mineko explained.

"S-so… who is… the new council president?" I asked but I felt my voice crack at the same time.

"From now on, Mineko will be the Student Council President; Me, as Vice-President; and Spook, as Secretary. All of it has been sorted out." Reira explained.

"How did the students take this?" I then asked.

"They were all shocked as we held up the assembly. They also got worried. But don't worry. They would never think badly of you." Reira replied hugging me.

"We're sorry… but we did this for your safety." Mineko added and hugged me too. I could still feel Spook's hand on mine, but now, he was holding it tighter. And so I let my tears run down, leaning onto Reira's shoulder… I have got no choice but to accept all this. Starting tomorrow, I will be but another ordinary student.

Or maybe not…

-Hallway-

"Ahh… it is Miyane-sama. Even if she's such in a condition, she still looks as magnificent as ever…" One of the freshmen said. Man, it's true though. Even if I'm in such a state, I could sense that I'm still popular and Rei was right; I haven't heard any of the students think badly of me or even say anything mean behind my back. I wonder how those three are now… I'm still worried. I miss my presidential post at the council. Well, I can't do anything about it now, can I? Geez…

As I walk through the school's hallway, I find one of my kohais waiting at the door of the classroom, which was a pretty rare sight.

"Miyane-sama!" Ruka, a second year in this school and the manager of the tennis club had said once I got to my classroom.

"Ah, Ruka-chan. Are you looking for somebody?" I asked since I got curious.

"H-hai… anou… is Mikozuki-sama in? I-I-I would like to give her something… t-that's all…" She replied now looking down, blushing deep red.

"She's in the council office right now. Would you like me to give it to her?" I suggested, smiling.

-Class 3-A-

Ruka's eyes lit up. "A-arigatou gozaimasu, Miyane-sama!" She replied handing the gift to me and bowing afterwards. Wow. Here's another gift for Mineko. What a heartthrob she is. I thought to myself. Class is now starting and Tamaki-sensei is once again, late. I sat on my seat and started reading as usual. Since I'm not the President of the council anymore, there's nothing I can do to keep my classmates behaved. I liked calling the shots once in a while and keeping them as behaved as possible but now that I'm not in the council any longer… I can't do my previous job. And I can't take it. I guess I should go back to the mansion. I'm not really feeling too well…

"Odoriko. Are you feeling alright? You seem down this morning." Spook showed up and I got startled so I snapped out of my own world.

"Y-yeah I'm fine…" I replied staring at my desk.

"You're lying. I know you all too well already." Mineko suddenly said coming up to my desk then I remembered the gift that I was supposed to hand her.

"Mineko… here." I handed her the wrapped gift.

"What's this?"

"It's a gift that a second year wanted to give you but you were still in the council office then."

"And this is from…?"

"Ruka-chan."

"I see. Well I'll thank her at lunch later." She smiled as she replied.

"Yeah… I'm going back to the mansion. I don't feel all too well after all. See you." I said looking down, leaving the classroom.

"She really doesn't look well. Did something happen between you two, Spook?" Mineko asked him and he flinched a bit.

He turned back at her and replied with a confused look, "I… don't really know. You think I should go and follow her?"

"No. Leave her alone for a while. I think she's still down about her not being the council president anymore. She loved her job. Not for popularity but for the safety of this school and its students." Reira explained as she came into the classroom.

"I see. So that's what worries her. It's getting her that depressed." Mineko wondered while staring at me from the hallway this time.

-Courtyard-

I was walking through the courtyard since I wanted to feel the breeze in the air. Although it might be dangerous for me to step out since the battle still isn't over. I'm not letting my guard down. I never have. It's just that I wanted to be alone for the time being. I was two blocks away from the mansion now. There isn't any suspicious presence roaming around me up until I was halfway to my destination. I stopped. Looked around; I see no one in sight yet. "Who's there?!" I yelled but no reply. I waited a few more seconds and finally someone answered. "It's me, Haru." Haru… sounds familiar but I don't remember such a face that is now in front of me…

"Oh come on, you can do better than that, Odoriko-chan."

"…"

"Mattaku… I can't believe you have no clue who I am. Is your memory that bad?" He smacked his forehead, smiling, as he replied.

I wondered for a few minutes. I know; I'm slow sometimes especially when my brain is all messed up like a jigsaw puzzle. Somehow, I realized who he is by a small mark at the left side of his neck. Kusanagi… No way. He's really KUSANAGI HARU?!?!?!?! How could I forget?! We've grew up together up until I transferred to this school. He was left behind because his parents brought him along to their business trip. How long has it been and when on earth did he get back?

"H-H-H-HARU?! K-KUSANAGI HARU?! Hell! Is that really YOU?!" I glomped him afterwards. I know it's kind of kiddy.

"Took you long enough to remember. How've you been, Ohimesama?" He said patting my head.

Come to think of it, I was depressed all morning… but no, I can't let him know that. I don't want him to worry. I got that a lot from my friends already.

"I've been awesome!" I lied through my teeth.

"That's good. How about Mineko and Reira? Are you guys still best friends or have you guys broken apart?"

"Mou! We'll never break apart that easily, come on!" I said as I punched his right arm slightly.

"Okay, okay… don't get all violent on me. Class has started, why are you out here?" He asked.

"I was going back to the mansion. I need a day off, I guess…" I said.

"How come? Are you sick?" He asked again.

"I'm fine… just tired." Now I'm getting a bit guilty. Lying to him all this time is making it… I don't know… worse?

"I'll escort you if you don't mind. It's dangerous out here. Hajime's still after you, right?"

I flinched as he said that, "How did you know about Hajime coming after me?" I asked.

"I'm still your servant. If you're in danger, I'd always get that uneasy feeling, you know that." He said now hugging me and stroking my hair to calm me down. He knows that whenever I hear Hajime's name, I'd feel uncomfortable but it's really unavoidable to mention him.

"I guess I forgot about that. Can you… take me to the mansion now please? I feel really uneasy right now. I sense someone watching me…" I said as if I was whispering. Then we vanished and found ourselves in the living room of the mansion.

-Mansion-

"Ohimesama… you need rest. Why don't you go up to your room and sleep?" He suggested.

"No thanks. I want to stay down here with you for a while. I won't be able to sleep anyway." I replied, taking a sip of my tea.

"As you wish, Ohimesama." He said and sat beside me looking worried. I knew he would worry. He always does and it really isn't new to me.

"Please don't look at me like that, Haru." I said as I faced him. I reached up to touch his cheek. It usually was a sign of relief for him; to show him that I was fine and there's nothing to worry about. "I can't help it. You of all people know that I worry about you a lot. You've been my best friend since we were young. And… you're also my fiancé. I can't let anything happen to you." Wow. I forgot all about our arranged marriage. I've loved him though but since I was transferred here, I forgot almost everything about him. Heck, I couldn't even recognize him earlier.

"Odoriko…" I hear an echo… someone was calling my name.

"Odoriko… Odoriko…" I could hear it again and again.

"Odoriko!"

"Huh? What? Oh sorry… I was in a daze again." What's wrong with me? I've never spaced out like that in years.

"It's okay. Don't worry about it. I'll take you up to your room. You really do need rest."

"Unn…" I followed him instead of objecting. Arguing won't do me good right now anyway.

We were walking up the stairs and I felt a bit dizzy… again. I felt that I was floating when I found out in reality; I was being carried by Haru. Did I collapse? I thought to myself. No use arguing with myself. I leaned onto Haru's shoulder and closed my eyes. When we got to my room, I felt that I was being put on the bed and being covered with my silk blanket. He positioned himself beside me, keeping an eye on me. I never thought he really cared about me this much. He really did love me after all these years we haven't seen each other or had contact with each other. Seemed so long 'till we saw each other again. These thoughts kept repeating themselves in my head and I thought that maybe… I might come to love and care for him again like I did when we were in elementary school. While I was opening my eyes slowly from my short nap, I felt a somewhat warm but yet cold sensation upon my lips. When I came to, and opened my eyes fully… I saw… Haru… was kissing me.

"H-Haru…?" I tried to say as our lips parted.

"I love you, Odoriko. I'll wait for you until you come to love me again." He said as he kissed my forehead.

"Get some sleep. I sense the girls and an unknown guy coming up here. Probably to check on you."

"Class must be over. And that guy you're sensing… his name is Adderly. We call him Spook as his nickname. He just transferred here." I explained to him.

"So he's now a friend of yours?" He asked.

"Pretty much, yes. Not only that… he's… a vampire hunter." I said. To my surprise, he flinched and was shocked.

"How…?" He started.

"H-Haru?" I said trying to reach his hand.

"HOW COULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH SUCH A DANGEROUS PERSON?!" He said so angrily. I'm sure my friends heard that from the other side of my bedroom door. I sort of heard them gasp as they heard Haru yell at me.

"He's not a dangerous person, Haru! He protected and helped me fight Hajime! He said he would never kill me! He only found out that I was a vampire because I told him right after he fought Hajime with me!" I yelled back and I was in tears. I can't let anyone talk bad about my friends. Especially the ones who've helped through the difficulties I went through.

"ARE YOU INLOVE WITH THAT VAMPIRE HUNTER, HUH, ODORIKO?! TELL ME THE TRUTH!"

"No… NO I'M NOT INLOVE WITH HIM! I only like him as a friend. That's all." I was at my limit and I was also running out of breath as I said that.

"DON'T LIE TO ME ODORIKO!"

"I'M NOT LYING! I would never lie to you, Haru. YOU OF ALL PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT DAMN IT!!" After saying all that, I started to dart out of my room. When I opened the door. I saw all their shocked faces, especially Spook's. I ran. I ran and ran until I got tired. I ended up in the gym's store room. I was alone; in the dark. I'm afraid to go back now… I don't want to see them right now.