The Story of Amara Kuran | Mariah Bryant
Book One, Chapter Eighteen
My Night in the Night Clan Great Hall
"Please, take a look around and see if everything is to your liking, Amara Kuran-sama." one guard said.
"Thank you." I bowed to them slightly then entered the room. It was extravagant. I could guess that Sarah Shirabuki would be staying in a room similar to mine. There was even a refrigerator and a kitchen-like area to the left, a sitting room with a large flat-screen straight ahead, a desk with a computer, and a closed door that must have led to a bedroom. Everything was warm and shiny. Curious, I opened the dark wooden door and walked into an enormous bedroom with a bed that I could get lost in. The linins were breath-taking. There was a beautiful armoire that immediately wanted to take home with me. The TV inside was definitely not a bad thing to take home, either. Like a girl in a candy store, I peeked inside the monstrous closet with large mirrors and another dresser inside. Then I went back out into the bedroom and from there into the bathroom. It was bigger than a spa could ever hope to be.
This was something like a Presidential Suite, or a Queen Suite . . . or probably even more than the Queen's bedroom. I did not dare question whether the gold was real or not.
These things were practically forced upon me by the aristocrats because of my lineage. I suppose my blood was worth it; I sure was not. No, they did not want to treat me like royalty because I was of royal blood. They wanted to flatter me (as well as the other purebloods) because I had blood that could give anyone I shared it with great power. Thinking of this, I felt smugly guilty.
Four of the seven guards followed me. I turned to them, smiling.
"What wonderful accommodations for a prisoner." I commented.
They tried to keep their faces stiff, but they each smiled back.
"This room is not usually used by defendants, but rather by people of high rank of visits to the senate." one with jagged brown hair said, grinning.
"Not that you are not of high rank." one with blonde hair added quickly. "He meant people visiting the senate who are of high rank, not people who are or high rank but who are also defendants and who are not visiting the senate."
"I understood, thank you, though." I said. "Might I ask where a phone is?"
All four of the men fumbled for a moment.
"Yes, uh, there is a cordless one in the kitchenette, but I am not sure if you, the accused, are supposed to use it," one with darker brown hair said, trying to be business-like.
I rather liked this treatment, as compared to when I was under Shiki's care. Ichio was a kind man.
"Do I not get my one phone call?" I asked, still smiling. Obviously, these men had not been informed of who I was, and if they had they had not heard what I was accused of.
"Well, um, I suppose you can. After all, you are a pureblood." one with black hair allowed. "Please, come." he turned, and his comrades and he led me out of the bathroom and into the kitchen. They showed me to the phone.
"We have been given orders to guard you at all times, with the exception of the bathroom and bedroom. I am sorry that you will not have any privacy." the one with the black hair said.
"That is fine." I assured him.
Each of the men nodded at me, then each walked to a different corner of the room. Each of them, except for one.
"May I ask, Tono, why you are not here on friendly terms?" the blonde one asked gently.
I smiled at him. "I am not here on unfriendly terms, but I have killed my attackers and have attempted to kill the murderer of my parents, the Kurans. Their murderer was a pureblood with high connections in the senate."
The blonde man's eyes were large. He bowed and quickly retreated to his corner of the room. The rest of the men gawked.
I turned from them and dialed Kaien's number. He answered on the second ring.
"Amara-chan! It is you, isn't it?"
"Of course it is. How are things?" I asked.
"Fine. How are things there?"
"My trial has been postponed until tomorrow. Though the evidence Shiki-sama has presented is more concrete than mine regarding the assassins I killed at the train station – the bodies – I have a good fight. His evidence regarding what went on in the mansion is just as flexible as mine." I sighed. "His argument is that he followed my parents home after they had won the debating here and had entered their library to find that they had committed suicide, and that when I walked into the room I threw a tantrum and killed him."
Kaien was silent for ten seconds exactly. "Amara-chan, that man has no morals."
I caught a tear before it dripped off of my face. "I know what I saw. He tortured my parents."
"I know. I know. I am bringing the president of the vampyre hunter council when I come tomorrow night. We will vouch for you."
"Thank you." I took a deep breath, restraining myself. I wanted him here like I wished my own parents were alive. I wanted Cho here.
I was ashamed, and angled myself so that none of the guards could see my face. I guess I could not go long being a 'big girl'.
"You are wrong, Amara-chan. You have not failed. You have just had a lot to go through. I will see you soon. Until then, know that you have friends looking after you."
"Yes." I said. "I do. Thank you."
"You are welcome. Goodbye." I heard the smile on his voice.
"Goodbye." I hung up the phone and placed it on its holder.
I knew my friends were probably busy talking with people or being taken to their rooms. I hoped Yuki and Mike would get as wonderful of rooms as the purebloods. I feared for them, though, being in a building overflowing with vampyres. I really hoped their rooms were near Kaname's. I hoped his was close to mine.
I gave in and sat on the couch. I did not flick on the television. I did nothing but think for a long time. Then I smiled at one of the guards, the one with blonde hair.
"I suppose, if I had had any foresight, I would have known to bring a book or two." I joked. It made me laugh because of the irony, but he only frowned sadly at me.
"It is because of Shiki-sama that you are in this mess."
"No." I shook my head slightly. "It is because of me being what I am. I am Amara Kuran, the baby girl who can destroy everyone and everything with a mere thought." I hugged myself. For almost twelve years I was the only one who hugged me.
There was a knock on the door, but my hopes did not fly. It was not a knock I recognized.
"Yes?"
"Pardon me, but are you taking visitors, Tono?"
"Yes." I replied cautiously.
The door opened slowly, exposing the guards outside. It also allowed the man to walk into my room. The guards saw my reaction, and closed the door behind him.
Warily, he walked toward me and stopped a few feet away from the couch.
I leapt to my feet and raced around the couch, right into his arms. "Oh, Mike, I am so glad to see you!"
Mike smiled. Neither of us let go. "After the first few hesitant people asked me questions, the dam broke and everyone was curious about the human boy that stood for you. I think you might win, Amara. Really, I do."
"That is fantastic. So how are you?"
"I'm fine. My room is as pretty as yours. I only have one guard in front of my door, though. I guess they don't see me as the threat that I am." Mike laughed. I felt like I was floating.
"How are my brother and the rest?"
"Ichijo is still talking to Ichio, but everyone else has been taken to their rooms. I came here right after I saw where mine was. I'm sure they'll get here soon."
I sighed. "You did well."
"What? When?" Mike asked, surprised.
"You charmed everyone in the room. I can feel people thinking about you. They know they can trust your word, and your word was in my favor. I am so proud of you. Thank you."
Mike pulled back to see my face. "I charmed them? Really?"
I laughed. "Yes. Is it so hard to believe? You charmed vampyres – purebloods and aristocrats alike."
His hazel eyes sparkled. "How? I'm just a human."
I grinned. "It is in your nature, Mike. Your wonderful nature."
"So . . . I helped? You might win now?" he asked skeptically.
I nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! You told me you could and that you would: you did."
The door opened again. Mike and I let go of one another and turned to see Kaname, Kain, Aido, Ruka, Zero, and Yuki walk through it.
"I think things went well." Kaname said.
I made to run and hug him, too, squealing, but my plans were foiled. A wave of steal slammed into me like an airplane. I yelped, my smile replaced by a look of terror. My feet slid out from under me and the wave threw me backward onto the floor.
"Are you okay?" Mike asked, immediately kneeling next to me and lifting my head off of the floor. Kaname kneeled closer to my feet.
I blinked, disoriented. After two and a half seconds, my vision had cleared. My eyes opened wide. I quickly (and cautiously) sat up. I smiled, laughing at myself.
"What happened?" Kaname asked grimly.
"Now, if we treat the Higher Being like a nuisance It may not do the wonderful things It does for me."I said.
Kaname's face softened into knowing pity. "What did you see?"
I sighed. "It was scared that I would get my hopes up and that I would begin to overlook my prophecies. I was assured that there was still heartbreak and suffering in the near future." A smile slowly crept onto my face as my eyelids drooped lower. "It really cares for me . . ."
With that, I passed out.
***
"Mike, you should probably back up a little." Kaname's urgent voice warned. I felt a hand (his, I knew, because of the strength) under my head and a glass at my lips, pushing them away so that its contents could run down my throat. I tasted the blood, befuddled. I sipped more and more, loving the flavor. I sat up and opened my eyes. Kaname looked worried.
"Aido, will you get her a wet rag or something?" he asked.
When Aido turned to go to the kitchenette, I spotted Mike hanging out near that wall. Seeing him feeling so helpless and worried for me . . . it brought my maternal instincts out. I took the glass from Kaname and set it aside. I did not sit up because I was still nauseous and dizzy.
"Michelangelo, you can come nearer." I said teasingly. "You should know by now that I am not going to hurt you."
Mike smiled shyly. "I have never been present when you have fainted in the past."
I grinned. "You spoke Japanese as well as you understood it. You have been practicing on your own, have you not?"
Blushing, he swung one foot around. Then he walked up closer. "Well, I was so scared to mess up when I was speaking with the senate out there but I was equally scared to not say anything at all – I just did what I had to do, and let loose. I have not had any reservations since."
"What a large vocabulary, too." I commented.
"Thank you. I was taught well."
"Can you stand?" Kaname asked. "You should drink some more."
"I would like to sit here for just a little bit more. My body is weaker than it should be, to be able to handle all of this." I joked.
"Here. Have some more of this." Kaname picked the cup back up and handed it to me.
I frowned at him, but did as big brother instructed.
"Did you see anything different?" Kaname asked lowly.
"No. It was just a very strong reminder. Kaname, please calm down about all of this. I can handle myself." I assured him. "You need not worry when it comes to my gifts."
Kaname shook his head disapprovingly. "You do not think they are becoming too much?"
"Of course not." I said. "They are me. And they have not been growing more powerful; they have been maturing."
Kaname sighed and got to his feet. "Do you want to sit on the couch?"
I carefully got to my knees; my glass was empty. Then I stood. The world spun and I realized I did not like being so high up. The couch was favorably close; I held on tight.
"Are you going to be okay, really?" Ichijo asked fearfully.
"Yes. I promise. But tell me: what is on your mind?"
Ichijo, who must have arrived when I was out, looked nervous. He ran his fingers through his hair. "My grandfather, Ichio, has requested everyone's company for dinner. He was outside, but he went ahead to the dining hall. He did not want to come in to give you some privacy because of your condition."
"That was considerate of him, but he must know that I think of him as fondly as I would my own grandfather." I said. "Unless someone has other plans, we will all go."
Ruka looked a little nervous, herself, and Aido stared at the ground distastefully. I knew Ichio was a grump of a man, but I loved him dearly anyhow. I almost laughed at them.
I turned to a guard. "You have heard that Ichio wants me to join him for dinner. How are we going to execute this?"
"We will escort you to the dining hall and then guard the exits." the blonde one, the one I faced, responded. He exchanged looks with his comrades and it seemed that they all agreed. They filed toward the door.
"Can you walk?" Mike asked.
I stood completely on my two feet to prove it. "I do believe so."
"So do you want this?" Aido asked, offering the kitchen cloth he had soaked in cold water. I did want it horribly badly.
I thanked him and wiped it over my face to rid it of its clamminess. Then I rubbed my hands with it, attempting to get feeling back in them. It was not the first time I had fainted. I could not stand the feeling. When I had lived in Richmond, I fainted quite often due to my thirst plus humans plus the stress of working three jobs at a time. Especially in the booth. People are so needy. . . . Do they not know that that was the first time I had ever cooked and that compared to their first time, I was an expert? Sheesh.
I returned it to the sink and then joined everyone as they filed out of the door. Kaname gravitated toward Yuki unconsciously, and Zero walked on the outside protectively. None of them noticed. Ichijo and Aido noticed, of course, and Kain knew everything about everyone. He even probably realized that he was walking close to Ruka. I knew that I was making sure Mike was in my sight.
The dining hall was one of many. It must have been the smallest. It was still suited to fit fifty people. Ichio was again sitting at the head of the table. He actually smiled when we entered.
"Amara-chan. Please, I want you to sit to my left tonight." he said. "Takuma-kun, sit to my right. Let us not rely on formalities on this occasion. I am happy that everyone is here."
I gladly sat next to him. (I practically dragged Mike with me.) Kaname sat on the other side of him, and then Yuki and Zero, who looked like he felt out of place. Aido, Kain, and Ruka sat on Ichijo's side.
"Ichio-sama, I have missed you so."
Ichio smiled at me. "I have missed you, but I have not worried about you, Amara-chan. You are resourceful and will make it all of the way all on your own."
"Never on my own. I have my brother and friends to help me."
"Hmm. Well, let us dine for now. We can discuss serious subjects later." Ichio said. Waitresses then entered again, handing dishes to the aristocrats and humans, blood to the vampyres, and teas to the humans.
"There is one amongst us who I am not familiar with." Ichio said, eyeing Mike.
"I am Michelangelo Thomson." Mike said. "I am a friend of Amara's from America." His Japanese was perfect, and I smiled at him with eyes filled with adoration.
"It is nice to meet you, Michelangelo-kun." Ichio replied.
"It is nice to meet you, too, Ichio-sama."
Diner went like a dream. It made me sob on the inside, though. I really missed my friends in America, and all who had died for me.
When dinner was finished and the table was cleared, we got down to business.
"I really think that things went well tonight, but we are really hanging on what will happen tomorrow. Shiki-sama had ways of making sure that we did not receive word that you had been found until the day before he apprehended you. I can guess that Cross-san is going to bring the President of the society?"
"Yes."
"Good. She may bear concrete evidence proving exactly what went on inside your mansion. I have hired investigators, also. It is a mighty good thing that no one has touched the mansion other than – oh, what is his name? Shiki's uncle-in-law – because they may find something to suggest that they could not have possibly done what was done to themselves. They are very good at their jobs."
"That is great." I said, considering.
"To be safe, you must go with all of the other options that are possible. I will still vouch for you tomorrow, along with Kaien and the President. Kaien and I will talk about your personality, too. I would love to get Aido's parents and my own child in on things, but they are very busy, as is to be expected. I honestly do not know what my son is doing these days. . . . Anyhow. What are your thoughts?"
"I agree with you fully, and I am so grateful – I bet you set everything up years before I was found."
"Yes, of course. You and your brother are practically family. We must protect our name." Ichio said. "And your parents' name."
"Yes." I nodded. I knew Ichio liked me, too. He was not acting completely for honor. I did not allow my face to show my amusement and knowledge.
"I would like to vouch for her, too." Mike spoke up suddenly.
I turned to him. Ichio was also rather surprised. He stared intently at the human boy whom my heart belonged to, beckoning an explanation.
"I can recollect exactly what she was doing for the past two years, and how she is not a threat to the senate because she has no belligerent intentions. I can tell them that she is a pacifist, and that she was not even hiding from the senate. It was more like she was waiting."
Ichio thought for a long moment. "Very well. Very good. You will speak for her tomorrow, too."
Mike half-smiled. "Thank you."
Ichio nodded. "Well, I suppose you are all awfully tired, having been awake for around twenty-four hours. Everyone, go rest up and I will see you in the morning."
I smiled at the 'morning' thing. "Good night, Ichio-sama."
"Good night to you. And good night to all of you." Ichio said. He stood, and everyone else followed. Before I could turn to leave, he grabbed my arm.
"I would like to speak with you for just a second in private, if you do not mind."
"Of course not."
Ichio peered around me to make sure that everyone else was out of the door before whispering to me. "That boy . . . Michelangelo . . . he is going to be a great help tomorrow. Do you realize that?"
"Yes, Ichio-sama. Of course I know. I know exactly what he is going to be. But he is also going to be my greatest weakness. This fire is merely being kindled tomorrow. The bonfire has not even begun."
Ichio turned very, very grave. "Ah. I see. I am terribly sorry to hear that. But know that you are not alone."
"I know." I said softly, letting my gaze drop to the floor.
Ichio put a hand comfortingly on my shoulder, then left the room. I exited through another door, the same as my friends. Mike was waiting for me in the hall.
"What happened?" he asked lightly.
"Nothing much." I shrugged. "He is just pleased because he thinks things will go well tomorrow."
Mike did not comment. We walked down the hall, flanked by guards, into my room where everyone was waiting.
"The sun will be rising soon, and I am really tired. Does anyone mind if I retire early?" Aido asked, leaning on the back of the couch.
"No, I am also going to hit the sack." Ruka said.
"Everyone go on to sleep. I will see you all in the morning." I said as everyone filed out. "Thank you so much."
"We'll be there." Zero told me lowly, shocking me only a little. I gave him an appreciative and knowing smile as he left the room.
"Farewell, my sister. No matter what tomorrow brings, our promises remain the same." Kaname assured me. He gave me a hug, then exited.
"There are those like Shiki-sama who are cold-hearted, but there are lots more of vampyres like who are helping you and Kaname-sama who will understand your position better than you think." Yuki told me with a smile. "I used to think Ichio was cold-hearted, but I have been proven wrong. So, you will see."
"Thank you, Yuki-san." And I was beyond surprised that her words actually helped.
She laughed lightly. "Oh, you don't have to use honorifics with me. We are friends."
"Oh, alright. Thank you."
"It's no big deal. Goodnight!"
"Goodnight." I responded. From the doorway I saw my big brother watching us with a knowing smile on his face. He and I met eyes before Yuki, nearly-carefree and very innocent, caught up with him and they both walked down the hall.
The room was empty except for the guards who now took their places and Mike.
I turned to him where he had been waiting behind me. He was much closer than I had thought; there was only a foot of space between us.
"You are scared?" I asked gently. I used English for his benefit.
Mike cracked a smile. "Well, this is a building filled with vampyres."
"Where is your room?"
"Between Ruka's and Ichijo's."
"Hmm. Where is Kaname in reference to you?"
"Ichijo's is next to Zero whose is next to Yuki who is across from Kaname who is beside Kain who is beside Aido who is across from me."
"Nice." I laughed. "Well, it seems that you are surrounded on all sides by vampyres – who would kill for you."
"Yeah, but everyone (other than our friends) looks at me like I am something to eat."
"Well, if you really are scared, then you may stay here for the night. If the guards allow." I added.
Mike lost all of his coloring. "Uh, okay." he stuttered.
I wanted to laugh at him, but I was feeling the same way. I turned to the guards. "Mike is having reservations about staying alone. Is it allowed that he stay with me?"
"No," the black-haired man said, but his comrades said different things.
They exchanged glances.
"Well, I do not see a problem with it. After all, he is a human." the blonde said with a shrug. "It seems like there might be attempts on his life, your situations being as they are. I think it is the wiser choice."
"Maybe he should stay with Kaname-sama." the black-haired one suggested.
The two others, both with varying shades of brown hair, exchanged looks.
"Well, we think it is fine. You are a defendant and a victim as of now." the one with the lighter, more jagged hair said.
"He can stay." the one with the darker hair concluded.
"Thank you." I said. I then led Mike into the bedroom and swiftly (and definitely without missing a beat) went to the closet and handed him a robe from it. "Here. You will have to sleep in this tonight. Please, go into the closet and change out of your nice clothes so that they do not get wrinkled. That is all you will have for tomorrow."
Mike looked like he had just been thrown into the Super Bowl without any warning or training – ever. He did as I told him, and even closed the closet door behind him. When he came out, he had the black robe tied to him for dear life.
"Alright, now there should be toothbrushes and other things in the bathroom. Please go wash up while I change."
Mike nodded and left for the bathroom. I hid in the closet while I took off my dress and hung it up, then replaced it with the other, smaller and shorter black robe. When I came out of the closet, I went to the living room and sat down until twenty minutes later when the bathroom door opened and the smell of blood wafted into the room. Then I stood. Mike had tied his robe back on for dear life again.
Unable to help myself as I passed him, I asked, "Boxers or briefs?" then doubled over with laughter.
"Wha?" Mike's eyes were huge, but he had a grin on his face.
"Nothing. I just wanted to tease you." I said.
"Huh. Okay."
I went into the bathroom and took a shower and then tended to my teeth and face and such, then put back on my robe and undergarments. Then I walked back out and into the living area.
"There are probably spare sheets and blankets and such in that armoire in the bedroom. I will go get you some." I told Mike. I did as I said I would, and while he stood back I transformed the couch into a makeshift bed for him. "There you go."
"Thank you. Uh, look, I know it is really foolish of me . . . I mean. . . ."
I smiled at him and shook my head. "I know exactly what you are trying to say. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
I went into the bedroom and cracked the door, then crawled into the most comfortable bed anyone has ever had the brain to make.
About forty minutes later, a dream awakened me. I got out of bed quickly and went to where Mike was asleep on the couch. I put a hand on his shoulder.
"Mike, come with me."
"Huh?" he opened his eyes slowly.
I looked at the guards. I gave them orders.
The tired guards looked confused, but they all nodded.
Mike was not moving fast enough, so I scooped him into my arms and darted into my room. My feet carried me swiftly into the living room again, where in an instant I made it look like it had never been touched. I rushed back and closed the bedroom door all of the way behind me. Then I leapt into bed and got under the blankets, and flung them on top of Mike, too.
"Be very still." I warned him.
For the next ten minutes we listened to what was going on outside. The guards traded places. The replacements were Shiki's assassins. Had they somehow figured out that Mike was in here, the result would be catastrophic. When no one moved, I decided I could breathe again.
The guards are Shiki's. I told Mike.
Oh. Okay. So I am hiding from them.
Yes.
Well, as long as we don't move at the same time, they won't be able to figure out that there are two people in here. I felt Mike slipping back into unconsciousness.
Yes, that would be how it would be that night. I would be half-asleep, listening to the guards, guarding Mike and myself.
I really did sleep at some point, because I was in Mike's dreams and then suddenly it was morning. Actually, it was twilight.
Yes, "The Night Clan Great Hall" did change from its original name, "The Senate Building." I had no clue what to call the actual building until a few days ago when it just hit me as I was thinking of all of the different rooms inside of it and purposes it was for. The name fit perfectly, so I changed it. I don't know why it didn't occur to me sooner!!
