Chapter Two
She played in the library of the Moon dormitory. Books of all kinds, filled with all sorts of things sat on mahogany shelves which stretched far above Ayama's head and touched the ceiling. A rolling ladder was connected to it, and Hiroshi was running back and forth, pushing a laughing Ayama who loosely held on.
She swayed back and forth as Hiroshi pushed, imagining a warm breeze sifting through her hair and caressing her face, just as it had done at her home on the tire swing which had been tethered to the oak tree.
Ayama could never forget how she and Iku would push each other and talk about their dreams and wishes. She would always have to hold her white parasol as she pushed Iku, but she had never minded, and had never realized the truth behind the reason her parents made her carry a parasol.
Hiroshi stopped and chuckled heartily. "Are you satisfied yet? Come down now!" He grinned and outstretched his hand to her.
She grabbed his hand and allowed herself to fall into his arms, giggling all the while. Hiroshi simply smiled and shook his head, placing her on her feet gently. Ayama reached up and smoothed his brown locks back into place. She kissed his cheek and then moved her mouth to his neck, her stomach craving the sinful drink.
Sighing, yet unable to deny his master, he reminded Ayama, "That is against the rules, Ayama." He placed a hand on her shoulder.
Pressing her forehead against his shoulder, she mumbled, "I know, but I am hungry. Hiroshi? I want to go home. Let's go home."
He replied softly, "We can't." There was a moment of silence which etched their memories of home back into their minds with a painful knife. Hiroshi sighed again and inquired, "You said you spoke with Kuran-sama last night. What did he say to you?"
Striding across the library, she picked up a red leather bound book. "He said that I am still awakening as a pureblood vampire, and that my powers and abilities, untamed as they are, will come and go. Kaname-sama also says that he understands I was raised in a very 'unique' environment." She leafed through the books pages, skimming the lines on the parchment. "He wishes to talk with the rest of the Night Class in order to explain." She closed the book and placed it on one of the tables.
"And.. What do you think of Kuran?"
"He….he is polite and very formal. I almost find being around him uncomfortable. Why do you ask, Hiroshi?" She found another book of interest and placed it on top of the red leather one.
Sitting, he began slowly, "Well, now that you are reentering the vampire society…Your parents are bound to throw a… Well, a sort of presentation ball."
Confused, she whirled around to face him, a crease on her brow. "What are you saying, and how do you know of this?"
Remaining calm, he explained, "Your parents told me of some traditions before we left. Most vampires your age have already been presented to suitors and courtiers and the like."
"My parents always told me that they will let me marry for love," Amaya countered warily.
Hiroshi nodded. "But that was before. Amaya, you are a pureblood vampire. Your options are now limited to purebloods."
Startled, she cried, "What?!"
He grimaced and continued, "Now, that doesn't exactly mean Kuran, but he is an option. I merely suggest-"
"Suggest nothing!" she snapped. Was this true? It had to be. Hiroshi would never lie to her, he couldn't. But she wanted to marry for love, and she did not feel that towards Kaname Kuran.
Rising, he said, "Just think about it. Your parents told me to tell you that this…ball will be held in three week's time. Normally, the parents would choose the fiancée, but your's are kind enough to let you choose."
"Hiroshi, how do you know all this? How come I know nothing?" She clenched her fist.
Smiling, he replied jokingly, "I have a manual. Sadly, you do not."
Her lips curved a little, but she kept her expression of discontent. "Leave. Take these books to my room." She handed the two she had selected and waited until he left.
But, before he did, he said, "It isn't normal for vampires to be up in the morning, Ayama. You should start adjusting your sleeping habits."
She stared out at the window and the still rising sun. The sky was a crystal blue, the horizon a golden beacon of warmth and rebirth. The dead trees swayed slightly under the chill that swept through the grounds. Amaya watched as a flock of birds flew south and then stared at the muddied ground, the leaves meshed together from earth and last night's rain.
Looking farther, beyond the trees, she could see the Day Class's dorms. As she blinked, she could feel her eyes readjust naturally to the distance. It then suddenly felt as if she was standing right there, right in the dorm's courtyard.
It wasn't long until students, wearing black uniforms, began trudging out onto the lawn and courtyard, carrying books and pencils. Surprised, Ayama was amazing that she could see one boy yawn and have it appear as if she was standing before him.
She was awed as she let her eyes roam across the crowd of weary students who were unaware that someone was watching from afar. Remembering her parents had mentioned extensive hearing abilities, she proceeded in pressing her ear against the glass and straining to hear the sounds of the humans, desperate to hear their mortal voices and not the tainted ones of vampires.
Vampire's voices were always full of secrets and deceit, and it seemed to Ayama, you could never tell what was truth or lie or a forbidden subject. Humans, on the other hand, had lovely voices, open and readable ones.
Amaya loved humans, and had thought herself one once.
"Trying to listen to the glass?" someone asked in a humorous tone behind her.
She swiveled around, startled. A male with yellow, wheat-like hair and swirling jade eyes stood in the doorway of the library, balancing an admirable stack of books on his hand. She sensed he was easygoing . She wasn't sure how, but she just knew that he would be friendly.
Figuring it to be her abilities, she smiled and said, "Hello. I am Ayama Wakahisa. Why are you carrying all those books?"
Placing the books on the nearest dark, oak table, he bowed and replied, "I am Ichijou Takuma. And….well," he smiled earnestly, "I am carrying a new set of books purchased for our library." He grabbed the bottom book with a swift, almost invisible, if it hadn't been for her adapted vision, movement. He continued on with finding a place for it. "Welcome to Cross Academy, Wakahisa-san."
"Thank you. Would you like some help?" she offered, genuinely wanting to help. Ayama wasn't tired at all and didn't want to go back to her room.
Looking surprised, he shook his head. "Oh, no, no. Thank you, but I am sure you have other things to do."
She shook her head, approaching the stack of books and whipping one out from the middle successfully. Ayama then moved to place it on the shelf Ichijou had begun filling. "Not at all. I usually sleep at night, so I am not tired. I have already caught up on my studies also. I have even found two very interesting books to entertain me later." She grabbed another book from the stack and proceeded to help Ichijou.
He stared at her a moment and moved slowly, almost precariously. "May I be honest with you, Wakahisa-san?"
She nodded and replied, "Please, Ayama is my name. Call me Ayama."
Ichijou's expression was slightly quizzical as he said, "Well…uh, Ayama-san, I honestly must say you are a very…..different pureblood."
Ayama stopped and gazed at him. He had a fine pointed chin and gentle eyes, an overall lively, adorable face for a vampire. "Yes. I was raised with humans, you know." She resumed placing the books on the shelf in a repetitive, flowing manner. "I still have so much to learn about vampire culture, but, the way I see it, I should simply go on being who I am either way. They tell me purebloods are the highest on the social hierarchy, but that means nothing to me. All I want is friends." Iku. How she missed Iku.
Ichijou stared at her sympathetically. "I believe you are the most open pureblood, or vampire for that matter, that I have ever met. So, Ayama, I want to be your friend." His eyes shone with a truth she couldn't deny.
Grinning, she responded, "And I want to be your friend, Ichijou."
They exchanged smiles and returned to placing the books. Practicing her speed, Ayama could feel she was getting the handle of it. She knocked over the rest of the books after ten were left, but Ichijou didn't seem to mind. They talked casually as they worked.
Ichijou explained what life was like at the school and why most of the vampires had actually come to the academy. He explained that Kaname was nearly worshipped since he was a pureblood, yet Ichijou didn't think they would treat Ayama the same.
Which was fine for her. She did not want to be worshipped just because she was a pureblood, which led to her chatting about the inequality of social hierarchy. She didn't know much of it, but she felt it was wrong.
He smiled and nodded, but Ayama felt as if he was holding something back. She was going to mention it, but was interrupted.
"Ah, there you are Ichijou. Oh, and I see Ayama-san is here too." Kaname closed the door behind him.
Shivers went down her spine as she sensed something stir in the air. His eyes felt like needles under her skin, pricking and poking. Kaname's very presence was very intimidating and overpowering. Ayama couldn't tell if it was because he was a pureblood, or if he was simply more than he seemed.
Squaring her shoulders, Ayama knew she wasn't going to allow herself to be intimidated or scared. "Please, call me Ayama."
His lips curved slightly in what could have been called a smile or smirk, but he said nonetheless, "And, Ayama, you may simply call me Kaname." He then turned his attention to Ichijou, "May I speak with you?"
"Of course. If you will excuse me, Ayama." He bowed and exited, Kaname paused and strode over to her for a moment.
He gazed down at her with an unreadable expression, brushing some of her bangs out of her eyes. "Have you been practicing your powers?"
She took a subtle, yet noticeable to Kaname, step back. Being so close was too overwhelming. "Yes, but you said I would have powers that I won't even know about. How can I practice those?"
"Every pureblood must find it for themselves. Now, you should be sleeping. Do go to sleep Ayama. Vampires shouldn't be awake during the day."
"But you and Ichijou are awake," she replied.
He blinked, yet continuing to hold his composure. "We have important business to discuss. Sleep." His forefinger brushed her cheek, and Kaname turned and left.
She sighed, realizing she was alone once again. Looking out of the window, she noticed that the students were already gone, learning about a variety of subjects, she imagined. The campus looked dead without the appearance of life and of giddy, vivacious humans.
Taking one last look at the glorious library with the stuffed shelves and smell of leather and earth, Ayama reteated silently to her room.
--
She could hear and smell the young girls before she saw them. As the gate opened, it revealed nearly a hundred or so girls, screaming and crying in a simultaneous jubilant reaction. They waved and grinned, happy and so free of a secret world gliding past them.
Ayama walked beside Kaname, wearing her white uniform for the first time. She had pulled her long, raven black hair into a ponytail at the back of her head and let her bangs hang in her eyes. She fought to keep her face expressionless, but knew she was failing.
The crowd made her nervous, and she instantly wished Hiroshi was by her side. But, he wasn't. He was at the back of the group. Alone. Ayama would have loved to join him, but Kaname had firmly insisted they walk together.
Two Day Class students, Ayama recognized them as the ones by the fountain, were holding back the mass throng. However, the small female, gazing at Ayama in admiration, stopped and strode over.
Bowing low, she said, "Welcome to Cross Academy. I am Yuuki. This," she gestured to the mysterious silver haired boy who was glaring at some of the other girls, "is Zero. We are the guardians and hope to do well in protecting you!" She bowed again and beamed proudly.
Ayama couldn't help but grin. She bowed also, and responded with, "Thank you, Yuuki. I am Ayama Wakahisa, and I look forward to being your friend!"
Yuuki grinned even more and then acknowledged Kaname with a blush to her cheeks as the odd scented Zero came up beside her. His eyes bore into Ayama, questioning and hating at the same time.
Not sure what she did to offend him, she continued smiling and said, "Hello, Zero. I am-"
"I don't care," he mumbled, grabbing Yuuki's arm. "Just get to class." He turned and dragged Yuuki away.
A little hurt, Ayama frowned and wavered in her steps. But Kaname placed a hand underneath her elbow.
Murmuring low, he said to her, "Do not take offense. That guardian is not friendly. Stay away from him."
"But, what is he? He smells so…so strange." She steered her arm away from his touch.
Kaname didn't respond. He simply leaned over and whispered something to his bodyguard, Seiren Ayama recalled. The walk from there was full of silence. Kaname offered many easy subjects to discuss, but Ayama was resistant and still uncomfortable.
As they reached the classroom, most of the others splayed themselves about the room lazily. A vampire with fiery red hair and ember eyes laid on top of the desks and stared at the ceiling. The air around him was one of sadness and loneliness. Ayama watched as Kaname leaned against one of the windows, flipping open a book that had been left there. Other vampires proceeded to their usual poses, it seemed.
The lazy eyed vampires that had offended Ayama her first night cornered themselves in the farthest corner. Ruka, with her eyes incessantly flickering to Kaname, Ayama noticed, stood at the window, close to him.
Ayama turned away, facing the board. It was blank, the dust of past words and numbers erased forever. She turned around once again, trying to envision what the classroom would look like with golden light flowing through the windows instead of the moon's milky glow.
"Now, who is this, standing in my spot?" a deep, voice rumbled from the entrance.
Ayama whirled around with wide eyes to see a tall, handsome man. His hair was black and swept loosely about his face and shoulders, covering one of his eyes completely. But she could still see the eye patch. His one eye was a pale, yet stunning blue.
There was an audible thump as Kaname snapped his book shut. "Teacher, this is a new student."
He eyed her, grunted, then went behind his desk. "I am Toga Yagari."
"Hello," she bowed. "I am Ayama Wakahisa."
He froze, his eye darting to her. "Wakahisa?" He raised his eyebrows and glanced at Kaname with an expression Ayama couldn't decipher. Staring back at her, he murmured, "Mmm. Welcome to hell. Now go take a seat."