"The past is never where you think you left it."
― Katherine Anne Porter
I sat alone in the courtyard like usual. I had tried my best to make some type of friends but it hadn't exactly worked. I sighed leaning back on the lip of the water fountain. Neither Yuma nor Kou had made an attempt to contact me after having lunch with them two weeks ago. I wish I could say that didn't offend me. It hurts doesn't it? A voice teased.
"Whatever," I grumbled grumpily. My irritation was only eased by the tiny fireflies that danced all across the courtyard. I smiled as I imagined the bugs speaking to me in soft, comforting buzzing, telling me the secrets of the world. I could feel the tension in my body leave completely as I drifted off into my own world.
The fireflies that I had been watching transformed into women in luminescent gold gowns, flickering in time with falling water. They twirled around gracefully, skirts billowing like velvet wings. I smiled as one woman approached me, holding out her hand, clothed in ivory gloves. I accepted her offering and allowed her to lift me from my lying position. The concrete ground shimmered before evolving into a beautiful lake.
I was mystified by everything around me. Larger than life lily pads were spread out across the navy water, blooming pink. Never before had I had a delusion this real. I felt her tiny hand guide me across the water's surface, the others joining in on our dance. Soon enough we were all holding hands in a circle twirling around at a swift pace. I couldn't help but grin at their joyful laughter. The water in the middle of the circle funneled upwards in strands and laced together like vines. I gasped.
A body, larger than the fireflies and mine took place, formed out of the transparent water vines. A light shiver traveled through my body. The form was distinctly female and willowy. I've never had a delusion like this. What's going on?
The water woman's face lowered to mine. "The answers you seek can be found in your blood." Her hand traced from my right shoulder to my collarbone. "Find them, and you find him."
I opened my mouth to ask who 'he' was but the words never escaped my mouth. Water covered my mouth as the fireflies grabbed me by my arms. Their soft touches were gentle yet firm, pulling me to the water vortex.
"You should count yourself blessed. The lengths that he has gone to find you have been impressive. Though I am not certain why he is so attached to you; you are rather bland."
A strong gust of air forced me even closer to the swirling water.
"I'll be seeing you, Amelia."
And with that I was gone, taken away by the water tornado.
I felt a jolt as I sat up from my spot on the concrete fountain. A familiar bell rang loudly, signaling the end of another lunch period. I shivered again, feeling the ghost touches of the firefly-women. That wasn't a delusion. There's no way.
I stared at the fireflies that remained in the courtyard. I narrowed my eyes at one menacingly before reaching in my messenger bag. I had begun carrying it around after a week at Ryoutei. Pulling out an empty water bottle, I opened the lid and used my hands to capture a couple of the bugs.
I was glad that no students were out here to see me hopping around like an idiot trying to catch insects. After capturing and containing three I decided it was enough. That was rather interesting. A voice mused in my head. That's putting things rather lightly. I responded.
I placed the bottle back in my bag and began to make my way back to my classroom. I spent most of the class pondering the meaning of the water witch's words. That was the conclusion that I had reached anyway ― that the woman made of water had been a witch paid to send me a message from 'him'. Could she have been any more vague? I thought bitterly. And I'm sure that those fireflies were fairies under the control of the witch to lure me to her.
Looking past all of the negative aspects, seeing so many fairies in one place was amazing, it indicated that even with current times there were still some infernum species out there besides Taika and I. And they managed to avoid the Mortem, which was miraculous. After all, they have their organizations in almost every country in the world now. I was really glad that our teacher had called in sick for our last period it allowed me to think more about my experience in the courtyard.
"Oi, airhead," I was shocked out of my thoughts abruptly. "What the hell are you doing?" I looked up to see the red haired boy from my first day at Ryoutei Academy. In short he looked like an idiot.
His dress shirt was unbuttoned to show his chest and his lack of ability to tie a tie. I almost laughed at his rolled up pant leg. Yes, pant leg as in only one of them. I raised an eyebrow in silent questioning. He gestured his hand to my desk. My eyes followed his movement only to find I had a piece of paper in front of me, covered in words and drawings.
"What the hell is that?" I stared at the paper for a couple of moments longer.
"I have no idea," I said softly, lying to the male. My right hand traced over the words that covered the page. I couldn't read a majority but I could decipher exactly what I had drawn. I had drawn the water witch atop a throne, surrounded by her fae subjects. I looked up at the male, "Is there anything else you need."
The boy scoffed, "As if Ore-sama needs a reason to talk to you, reject." My eyebrow rose even further up at the poor insult.
I laid a hand on my chest, "Wow your insult was rather... simple-minded. Tell me, is your mind sharp or as dull as your personality." Ohhhhh take that you douche canoe. The boy sneered in response, not having a comeback. So dull it is then.
"Ignore her Ayato-sama!" a shrill, girly voice called from the front of the classroom. I snorted. I never understood people's idolization of narcissistic males. A loud and clear knock could be heard. A male quickly stood and answered the door, letting in another male student.
He was tall and well dressed, with a gothic flair. His gradient black hair looked as soft as I remembered. Wow, he grew up well.
"Ruki," I mumbled softly, knowing he wouldn't be able to hear me over the chaos in the classroom. Imagine my surprise when both of our steel grey eyes met from across the room. As strong as a thunderstorm and as striking as the lightning that came from them, Ruki Mukami stood in front of the class silently. We looked at one another for a long while until the red head decided he had enough.
"Oi! Don't ignore Ore-sama, reject!" I glanced at him. My irritation was no doubt tangible now. Hey let us ogle at him in peace! I nearly flushed at the voice's words. Shut up!
"Sakamaki-san," the words were simple and sharp. "Don't you have someone else to bother?" I felt a shudder run through my body at the low and stone cold voice of Ruki. Wait. Sakamaki?
Ruki remained at the front of the room, his eyes trained on my acquaintance. If his last name is Sakamaki then does that mean he's related to Karlheinz? My eyes narrowed. I didn't trust Karlheinz. He was majestic ― a little too majestic.
The vampire approached the chalkboard; stride long and quick. His hand reached for the single piece of chalk underneath. The room stilled as he began to write on the board in cursive. "In your teacher's absence I will be covering the lesson for today." I kept my eyes on him. "So I will ask each of you to create a poem and present it to the class."
I wasted no time after the instruction and set to work. I pulled out three pieces of paper along with a pen and highlighter. My mind raced a thousand miles as my hand fought to write out everything. Faster, I need to get all of my thoughts on this paper before they disappear.
Steady steps echoed through the quiet room. Most people around seemed preoccupied with other things or were avoiding the assignment. The footsteps came to a stop behind me and I was instantly drawn out of my thoughts. "You're working quite hard, livestock." I stiffened at the words. Ruki lowered his head so he could take a look at the entire page that I had filled with possible poems. The smell of old books and a hint of peppermint bombard my senses. "Keep up the pace." Oh.
I felt my heart burn at the subtle praise. Praise whore. A voice scoffed in my mind. As he returned to his full height his fingertips brushed against my shoulder. And with his subtlest of touches, he began his rounds around the room again.
Spurred on by his praise, I found myself working at an even faster pace. Why are you so eager to please him? I don't know. Within no time I had two poems drafted out, ready for revisions. I hummed as I read them over.
The world is limitless
Do not allow yourself to be contained
For even if the world falls to darkness,
as long as there is light
We still have a chance
So rise and throw off your chains
The world was always ours
I shoved the other into my bag, choosing the one of the two. I nodded, satisfied with my handiwork. I honestly wasn't even sure what was on the other one. It's like I was on autopilot. I shivered at the thought. That witch's magic affected me more than I thought.
Once again, Ruki's smell wafted over me again as he reached for my work. I was hesitant; I did want to make a good impression ― to show him that I had grown. A loud snort bounced around in my mind. We don't have anything to prove to him.
But that was just the thing ― I wanted to impress him. To show him I was capable, that I was intelligent and strong, different from when we had first met. I was no longer the poor, uneducated, girl with no willpower that he had once known. I had met him only two months after Karlheinz had found Taika and I at the Mistress' slave manor. I remembered looking up to him, his individuality and ambition. Despite only being a year older he already had his future figured out. I felt my pulse quicken at the thought of all the conversations we had together. He had been an inspiration to me when I needed it the most. I suppose it would be the equivalent of a child attempting earn their childhood hero's approval.
But just by looking at him I could tell that he had changed. His eyes were guarded against everything and everyone. And perhaps it may be wrong of me to assume this so early on, but it almost seemed as though he had begun to carry himself with a new sense of pride, an unhealthy amount of pride. And that nickname... Just who are you now Ruki?
My draft for my poem was thrown in front of me. Holy―! I jumped at the sudden movement. I looked up from my paper into Ruki's steely eyes.
"I highly suggest that you put that poem in the garbage where it belongs and start a new one." It was as though I had been stabbed. What?
Ruki's blunt words left me stunned and hurt. My hopes and fantasies of what my reunion with Ruki being thrown in a blender, stomped on, and submerged in a jar of acid. And on a dime I felt my hurt turn to anger and my anger into a burning desire for revenge. Make him regret it! Make him regret talking down to us. A chorus of voices screamed.
"Wow!" I started. "I had no idea that you criticized poetry for a living!" All who were in proximity of my words turned to watch Ruki's reaction. I poured all of my anger and hurt into my next words. "If memory serves me right, you haven't read anything other than that book you always carry around."
Ruki's hatred was practically tangible. I had singlehandedly belittled him in front of everyone and exposed his attachment to his beloved father's book. No doubt my words would have Ryoutei Academy buzzing by the end of the hour. However, before Ruki could insult me in return an obnoxious laugh could be heard.
"Hah, the reject is right! You pretend you're so high and mighty but in reality you're just a poser!" Ayato hollered. "Loooo-ser!" Oh goddess, you just made this ten times worse.
Ruki simply held his head high as he walked back to the chalkboard. He took a deep breath and turned to face the class. "What is your name girl?"
"Reina," I really hoped my voice didn't sound as weak as I thought it did.
He turned to face the chalkboard. "Reina-chan and Sakamaki-san go to the principal's office and explain just why you were sent there." You're such an ass! I heard the voice screech. I winced. "And take your things. I doubt you will be returning after your behavior"
I didn't even give Ruki the satisfaction of seeing my face as I strode past him, my messenger bag in hand. Ayato strolling past at his own leisurely pace.
I wasted no time and turned right to make my way to the principal's office to clear up the entire matter. A cold hand wrapped around my wrist tightly.
"Oi, where do you think you're going?" I turned to look at the annoying redhead. This boy is an absolute nuisance.
"To the principal's office. You know, like we were told," I sneered as I pulled my arm away from his iron hold.
Scoffing at my words, Ayato tilted his head back. "You do get that there's only four minutes left in school." He gestured to my things. "And you already have your things, why don't we just leave?" My eyes narrowed at his offer. He has some other motive. He's not the type to offer anything for free, like Kou.
Sadly, my curiosity got the best of me and I accepted his offer. I allowed him to guide me through the hallways before I noticed we were going the opposite way from the entrance of the school. I'll indulge him for now though.
I couldn't even bring myself to be surprised when we reached a dead end in an empty corridor. Ayato had slipped behind me, chuckling darkly.
"I'll show you what happens to people who mess with Ore-sama," he whispered, warm breath hitting my right shoulder. I sighed at the cliché nature of the entire situation. Vampire. His breath reeks of blood.
"Keep your fangs to yourself you bloodsucking parasite," I hissed through my teeth. "Who knows what type of diseases you ferum carry."
"Excuse me, is my brother bothering you," a smooth, sophisticated voice cut in. A sharply dressed male ebbed from the shadows, purple hair shining under the hallway lights. Gross, he reminds me of Karlheinz. A voice gagged. Hush.
I put a good three feet between me and both brothers. "Thank you for your concern, but your brother simply threatened me. My name is Reina, what might be yours?" I said, spite and sarcasm dripping from every word.
"My name is Sakamaki Reiji, I deeply apologize for any trouble my younger brother may have caused you." I could feel my skin crawl at the artificial apology.
"It's quite alright." I lied. "Now if you excuse me I have to get going." I pasted a smile on my face as I sauntered past both vampires. I didn't know vampires were all made out of silicone.
"I'll be seeing you in the future, reject!" Ayato called, voice bouncing off the walls. I waved my hand in response without turning.
"Count on it, mosquito."