Chapter 9:

Security and Unchanged Feelings

I planned an exciting slumber party for everyone since it's too dangerous out especially at this time of night. I was cautious enough to keep everyone here until dawn. Since the security here is tight, it's safer. I'm not trying to keep the guys locked in here though but because Hajime's out there hunting me down, I can't take risks tonight. I'm sure he saw everyone's faces, especially Tyler's since he's a new student. Everybody else could handle the battle except him plus, he doesn't know anything about our real identities. Come to think of it, he's the only normal student in this mansion right now. But anyways I'll just have to enjoy tonight but also be on my guard. As soon as I got dressed, I went down the stairs and headed towards the living room where the guys were. Reira and Mineko are still probably getting dressed. As soon as I got inside the living room, I noticed that the guys were getting along great especially Spook and Haru. I may wait for a few more days to tell Tyler the whole truth about our identities but he does have to know that at once or else it'll be too late. I mean… the whole student body knows of our existence except him. So maybe it would be best if I get Haru's and Spook's confirmation of me telling Tyler everything. And I mean everything.

-Living Room-

"Hey. I see you guys are getting along well." I said as I smiled sitting myself on the pillow that was laid on the ground next to Haru. They all looked at me returning my warm smile.

"Yes, we are getting along very well. Spook and I have no more hard feelings towards each other and we seem to have some things in common." Haru told me as he held my hand so softly. "Isn't that right, Spook?" He added.

"Yeah, totally oh and Tyler is also very interesting. He told me almost everything about him including his family and academic background." Spook explained.

"I see. Well… I would love to get to know Tyler a bit more, if you don't mind that is." I had requested from Tyler since I really do need to know him well.

"By all means, it's alright with me. But can we wait for the other two ladies to come in before I tell you the story of my life?" Tyler asked.

He really is very formal about everything. I thought to myself. "Oh sure, I don't mind at all. I sense that they are coming in right about… now." I said. And by cue, Mineko and Reira came in.

"Hmm… gorgeous and psychic." Tyler complimented. As he said that, Haru put his arm around me. "Hey… this gorgeous lady is mine." He said jokingly and we laughed all at once and Mineko and Reira laughed along too.

"Alright. Time for a story from Tyler." I slightly grinned leaning my elbows on the coffee table. He nodded and started with his story.

-Tyler's P.O.V-

I returned Riko's warm and delightful smile and so I started telling the story of my life and how and why I was transferred here to this prestigious school. As they readied themselves to listen intently, I cleared up my throat and inhaled deeply before starting off.

"Well first of all, my full name is Tyler Reese S. Wincen III and I come from the noble bloodline of the Wincen's. Our family is born and raised in London, England. We pretty much rule the country along with our respectful allies. So far, not one ally has betrayed our family. To be honest, in my perspective, ruling a country is a very big responsibility that I do not want to attain even though I'm the next heir to the throne. My father had passed away not long ago and my mother stays at home in the palace taking good care of my siblings. I only have two siblings, one younger sister and a younger brother. People mostly think that they're twins because they're similar in ways of socializing with others but they are completely different from each other." I paused as I saw Riko's hand slightly raised. She was very polite, I could see that. She didn't want to be rude so she raised her hand slightly for me to pause.

"Yes, Riko?" I asked her smiling.

"I have a question if you don't mind."

"Go on…"

"Who is the next heir to the throne after you?" She asked so calmly but she wasn't very eager to know so much.

"The next heir to the throne after me is my younger sister. Our family really doesn't have that strict rule that only the males in the family would rule. Our rule to who is going to be the next heir is by age. The oldest among the family is the next heir after the current ruler. Do you get my drift?"

"Yes, I get it. Thank you for answering my question." She thanked me so sweetly.

"No, thank you for asking that certain and good question. So may I continue on?"

"Yes you may." She replied.

"Alright. So I'll skip on the other boring family background." I said and we all chuckled softly so I continued on. "The reason why I transferred here is because I wanted to be away from the boring palace life for a while. I want to finish my studies here. My academic background is good and I have no complaints to that. I also love this very prestigious school. Everyone is so friendly from how I see it. Also, the security is tight and I heard that so far, there were no reported burglaries or any of the sorts and it's also has high technologies which are great for personal and academic purposes. My dorm room is also very comfortable and I have no complaints about the bathrooms around the whole school since they are very hygienic." I had interpreted clearly to them.

"My, those were a lot of compliments coming from a new student." Reira had said as she slightly played with her hair as I could see it.

For some reason, I sensed that Riko wanted to tell me something rather important and so I ended my story because I wanted to know what is was that she wants to tell me.

-Riko's P.O.V-

Well I guess it's time to tell him everything about us. I already know what I need to know from him. I also got everyone's approval to tell him about our life stories. He seems capable of handling a certain weapon to an extent. That is what I am going to ask him first before I go on.

"Tyler…" I started.

"Yes?"

"Have you ever handled a sword before?" I questioned him sternly.

"Why yes, I have. I am a trained prince after all. All heirs to the throne should be well trained to handle certain weapons especially during emergencies of battle and such. Why do you ask?" He replied.

"Well… there is something important we have to tell you that the whole student body knows about. And I'm hoping that you won't be seriously shocked by this." I had warned him before I got straight to the point.

"Well go on then. I'll cope with the surprise…" He said in reply.

"First of all… Reira, Mineko, Haru and I are from the noble family of Pureblood Vampires. We aren't siblings at all though. We all grew up in the same country together; we've been through everything together. As for Haru and I, we are destined and arranged to be married as soon as I turn 18, which is 3 years from now. Mineko, Reira and I have been the best of friends since we were kids. The three of us have been transferred here for our safety and protection. The headmaster is, as I have told you earlier on today, is our family friend and somewhat like our ally as well. Right now… it's very dangerous to be hanging around with us. There is someone who is after our blood. His name in Takashita, Hajime. Our parents thought they have finished him off and he hasn't been heard of ever since but only a few nights ago, I had encountered him and for the first time too. I only knew of him through pictures and stories from my parents; so do Reira and Mineko. After that night, he tried attacking us again. That's why I asked you if you could handle a sword, just incase of emergencies. I also wanted to keep you safe from him tonight as he knows that you don't know anything about us up until now. So… now that you know… will you be willing to fight along side us, Tyler Reese S. Wincen III?" I had said firmly to him having my serious face as I stood up. I sensed that he was a bit shocked but he also remained calm at the same time.

"I understand perfectly. I will serve you until my very last breath, My Lady Odoriko." He said as he stood and bowed.

"Thank you, Tyler. It means a lot to us. Starting tomorrow you can have private training with Haru after school at the dojo." I had suggested and he accepted.

"Alright but wait. What is Spook in your story exactly? You hadn't mentioned him at all."

"I see you have noticed that. Spook… do you mind telling him?" I turned to Spook who was standing right behind me. He nodded and accepted my request to tell Tyler who he really is.

"I am Adderly Valencia who everyone knows as Spook. I came here from Mexico, 16 years old and… a vampire hunter." He said.

"A vampire hunter? But aren't you supposed to kill vampires like Riko and the others?" He asked.

"Yes, that was what I was ordered to do at first. But when Riko, Reira, Mineko and I became close friends, I dropped down to the order and served as their protection against Hajime." Spook explained.

"I see. Well that clears it then."

Well after all that has been cleared up, I guess we could officially start our slumber party. Apparently, we need to get rid of this stress coming about us from the whole day. Haru went to get the futons ready while Reira and Mineko strolled into the kitchen to ready the snacks and beverages. Spook and Tyler were talking a lot which I find funny yet comforting. Now that I know we can trust Tyler, I can sleep soundly tonight. Tomorrow, I'll show him around the campus. Hopefully we don't get lost since the school is so big.

I had noticed Haru walking through the hallway with the futons. I offered some help to set them down in the living room. We have gotten the snacks and beverages ready too since I caught sight of Reira munching on some cookies and drinking milk at the same time. Mineko set the tray of snacks on the coffee table while Haru and I set the futons on the open space behind the couch. "Mineko..?" I had said while arranging the futons. "Yes? Do you need help?" She had replied. "Can you please close the curtains for me?" I asked sweetly. "Sure." She replied and went on to close the curtains for me. "Thank you!"

I had stretched up my arms as Haru and I finished setting up. I felt his arms wrap around my waist which sort of surprised me but when I turned to look at him, I'd smile sweetly and held the cold hands that were resting on my stomach. As he let go of me, I walk over to the couch, sitting myself as I'd take a piece of chewy chocolate chip cookies that Mineko had baked. I had munched on it, savoring the taste and I'd drink milk out of the glass.

"I see you love my fresh baked cookies." Mineko would chuckle as she sees me munching on more cookies.

"Yesh!" I would have that cute smile on my face, drinking milk again.

"Aw… she's so cute when she has her sweets." Reira would say in a cute kiddy way as she wrapped her arms around my neck from behind the couch. She had nuzzled my head for a while as I ate. I even noticed the guys staring at me which kind of got me embarrassed. As I had blushed, they would all comment on it. I wondered how this night would end… I really didn't plan on any activities…

I would stand up from the couch, walking myself towards my futon and sit there for a while. Mineko would come up to me and we chatted for a little while until I got tired. A few minutes later I ended up falling asleep in Mineko's arms. I didn't even notice that she was hugging me earlier. As I was half asleep, I could feel Mineko laying me down on my futon and tucking me in. Kind of childish, I know but she's really caring. Afterwards, I felt cold lips upon my forehead, then my nose, then finally my lips. I knew it was Haru so I didn't bother opening my eyes. I was so tired and I wanted to rest soundly.

-Mineko's P.O.V-

As soon as I tucked Riko in her futon, I had noticed Haru coming our way. He sat himself down beside her, stroked her hair before kissing her from her forehead to her lips. I knew that he was madly in love with her and that he would forever protect her. Although I sensed jealousy from the other side of the room. Lately, I've been noticing how Spook was so close to her. Always comforting her when she needs a friend at that very moment. I guess now my hunches are clear. Spook is in love with Riko and he's just hiding it. That reminds me… when Haru yelled at Riko earlier we all overheard that little part of Riko only liking Spook as a friend. I guess that really let him down. But knowing him, he wouldn't give up on her that easily.

Finally, Spook noticed me looking at him. Hmm… was he day-dreaming thinking about Riko or something? I thought. I found it cute when he looked away. I could see him blushing from the embarrassment. I chuckled to myself as I left Riko and Haru alone. I would walk myself outside, to the balcony. I wanted to check if the area was fully secured. Wouldn't want any trouble going about tonight. It would only wake Riko up and stress her out again. I don't want that to happen. I'd come back inside, shutting the glass doors securely, closing the curtains afterwards. I walked towards the rest of the gang and we'd talk for a while. After a long while I'd get tired. Apparently, when I looked over at Riko, Haru fell asleep beside her. Until now he hasn't changed. Oh well… time to sleep. School starts early tomorrow.