It wasn't until the sounds of Lilith's sobs could barely be heard did Aria truly understand what she had done and it hit her silently, almost like a violent blow of realization. She leaned forward far in her seat, clutching her stomach and if Vaugt noticed these antics he did not say anything, knowing full well that this woman had made a choice that had taken her from the realm of childhood and into the harsh world of reality. He regretted seeing it happen so early, but like her parents, he saw instantly that Aria was impossible to steer away from what she had already determined. She was stubborn, just like her mother, and her father for that matter. Despite carrying so many common characteristics indicative of her parents, she was very unique.
Vaugt had seen her mother and father in battle and unlike them, Aria did not hesitate to feign upon her feminine looks and fragile-looking exterior to lull her enemy into a false sense of power. It was when this happened that she would strike quickly and with deadly accuracy. Even to this day Vaugt had difficulty seeing through her ploys. Every time he thought he could read her moments of weakness and surrender, she would surprise with a bottomless pit of energy. It always reminded him of the blood that ran through her veins. As all of this seemed to whiz through his mind, he felt the beginnings of a mild headache just at the thought of what he had gotten himself into. Even if the Aidou's had not implored him so emphatically he would have determined to be this girl's guardian and chaperone with or without request. He could not trust any other with this task except for one other but that was not a choice in this situation. Hanabusa would never allow it. So steadfastly, as would any loyal friend and confidant, Vaugt sat back on the bench of the carriage, steering the horses accordingly, pretending to ignore the presence following them at a safe distance.
The information that had been relayed to them via Ace was rather vague, but Vaugt knew the general direction in which they were to go, but he also knew that they would not have to go far before Ace caught up with them and give the guidance that Vaugt knew they needed.
Aria remained safely within the haven of her own mind and thoughts, pulled far away from any outside intrusions and this Vaugt knew would happen. He watched her carefully even as they crested the top of the next hill and even as he saw the shadowed stranger ahead, patiently leaning against a tree, waiting for them to pass before hopping into the back of the wagon effortlessly. Aria did not notice and Vaugt grit his teeth. He had taught her better than to not notice the sudden presence of another. They continued on for several moments before Aria seemed to pull herself far enough out of her thoughts to glance around and notice the cloaked stranger huddled in the back. Letting out a yelp she was instantly standing on her feet, startling the horses. Within an instant a dagger was in her hands and another reached for her sword before she hesitated. She knew that smile. Tilting her head she attempted to look into the shadows under the hood of whoever stood unarmed and maddeningly calm. Looking to Vaugt for guidance she saw that he too was very calm and collected. Then it all seemed to click together.
"Ace?" she said tentatively, not letting down her guard. The figure stood at attention and bowed gracefully, spreading his arms, announcing that he was at her service.
"What are you…"
"I followed you of course. Did you think I would let you go without a guide? That would be madness!"
"No, madness would be you following us and then sneaking aboard our transportation without so much as a word. I could have seriously hurt you!" The hood fell away to reveal his handsome face and devastatingly perky smile.
"I highly doubt that," he said arrogantly as he sat down, settling into his seat. In the process he carelessly chucked his sack in with the rest of the supplies and propped his legs up in a lazy manner.
"So where are we off to?" he said nonchalantly. Aria huffed and continued to glance furiously between Vaugt and Ace. Vaugt only returned her glances with a helpless shrug.
"What was I to do; tie him up?" Aria rolled her eyes and fell back to her seat with a growl.
"Let's keep going," she said grudgingly. Ace smiled victoriously as they moved forward with a jerk followed by a continuous rhythm of jostles.
-------------------------------------------------
They were to head north as Ace had indicated, but if they were not careful about who they spoke to and how they carried themselves the ring leader of this entire blood factory enterprise would instantly know of their intentions. Aria had no plans on being discovered before they even started their journey and immediately designated Vaugt as her "father" and her "brother" as Ace, who was of course slightly irked by his designated role.
"Come now. Frankly you two look more alike than most strangers and act more like siblings than an actual couple," goaded Vaugt upon Ace being informed of the act he would undertake throughout the rest of the journey. The other only replied with a grunt and a moody swing of the head to the side, pretending to ignore the older man's mischievous jibes.
Darkness came quickly and Aria was insistent that she assist in prepping camp that evening. She was no longer the mistress of anything and she made it absolutely clear to everyone there. It was Vaugt who had suggested they not seek out inns, taverns or villages until they had gained more ground away from the Aidou estate. It was too risky being exposed in an area that others already knew who they were. Aria certainly didn't feel the right to argue with the man, nor did she have the urge to talk with alacrity. Her companions took the hint.
Vaugt had first watch as he declared Aria to have first watch while the other two caught some shut-eye. She huffed with some irritation before saw his logic and settled in for the first shift. It only made sense that the younger go on watch first. The more experienced would be less prone to falling asleep or hallucinating sounds or shadows from fatigue or sleepiness. Regardless of her duty, Aria was restless. She couldn't seem to make her thoughts stay in one direction. They were scattered. First came her thoughts of how nice the woods sounded at night, instantly turning into a thought of her father in the gardens when she was a little girl, and her mind was contemplating the branch that was jabbing her in rear. With a growl of irritation she reached down and grabbed the offending object, hurling it into the darkness. Without another word she stood up and brushed off her backside and she began to stalk into the woods. Vaugt's head was instantly up and awake.
"Where are you going," he said gruffly. Despite only being asleep for merely an hour his voice sounded instantly alert. 'Years of war,' thought Aria flippantly. Regardless of how much the giant cared for her, she couldn't bring herself to soften her voice.
"To take care of something I forgot to do earlier," she alluded. Vaugt's brows came together in confusion before rising up in acknowledgement. Without another word he let her go, knowing not to get into the middle of female things. Perhaps that was why she was in such a foul mood.
Aria cursed quietly as she trudged through the woods, not paying any attention to where she was going. It only succeeded in slamming her toe into a large boulder, hiding within the darkness. Her curses came louder as she plopped down on the ground none too lightly to rub her foot. Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes and let her head hang low before rolling her head back so it hung backwards.
"What was I thinking?" she grumbled quietly.
"That's what I would like to know," came a quiet voice from the shadows. Aria was on her feet in an instant, ready for whoever lay beyond her immediate vision. Slowly, Zero stepped away from his place next to a tree. Aria audibly exhaled but her heart was still skipping erratically and it was only a moment later that she realized it was not from the sudden fright.
"Zero, what are you doing here?" she breathed.
"Something I would ask the same of you." Aria felt her insides turn. He looked dangerous, angry, and… hurt. She forced herself not to retreat another step.
"I would have thought the others would have told you." Zero took a step forward and the action she was attempting so desperately to prevent occurred, she took a step back.
"I decided I would rather hear it from you instead," he said slowly, quietly. Yes, he was dangerous, but not in the way that made her fear her life. Aria tried to control her thoughts as they tumbled around her faster than before.
"I… I needed to get away," she stumbled out.
"From what?"
"No…"
"Your family?" She didn't have time to answer. "The estate? Or was it me?" Aria stiffened. Perhaps all of it was true and none more true than the last.
"Why are you following us?"
"You're avoiding the question."
"And so are you," she shot back defensively. She never felt more childish. Trying to gather what whit she could, she tried to come up with the most plausible answer. She knew that no one had told him, why would they? He was right to come ask her the reasons for leaving, but she simply did not have enough courage to tell him that she could not be with him… ever.
"After the party…" She couldn't do it… she couldn't tell him that she wasn't who he thought she was, it would destroy everything they ever had. "I decided I couldn't stand the stuffy vampire society, so I decided to leave," she said almost casually. She saw his eyes narrow and knew that he did not buy any of it in the least. He took another step and Aria was resolved in not showing any more weakness, regardless of how much he made her heart jump around in ridiculous rhythms.
"What more do you want from me?" she pleaded.
"The truth," he said, seeing through the façade she had lamely attempted only moments before.
"The truth…" she said as she gathered her strength. "The truth is… I had to get away from you." She knew his expressions so well and she cursed herself for it at that very moment. Only the slightest change in his eyes could tell her everything. He was crushed. She forced herself on. "You were everywhere and after that night…" she nearly choked, remembering how glorious it had felt to be in his arms. "After that night, I couldn't think of any other way. I needed out and away from you."
"I promised you that…"
"You were wrong," she cut him off. "We were children! Why would I ever want you to keep a promise like that. I've grown and changed. I don't need you anymore." She delivered the final blow and she felt her entire heart crumble into nothing, blowing away into the wind. "Just leave me alone," her voice cracked as she turned away. Of course Zero would never allow her to leave with those words hanging in the air between them. His hand grasped hers as she tried to flee and his hold was relentless.
"You're not telling me something."
"I've told you everything," she retorted back, her face pained. She thought she would have more time to figure out what to tell him in this situation, but no matter how much planning she never would be able to come up with the right words. They could not be together. "I said leave me alone. Don't touch me!" she cried as she pulled violently away, but he was faster. Within moments she was fully encased in his arms. She struggled only for split second before going lax and compliant. Her lips seemed to gain a mind of their own as she met his with clash. The force was thrilling and she felt the vibrations throughout her body. How could she walk away from this? His hands were strong, but yet held her as if she was made of glass. His mouth annihilated hers, but yet it was like a butterfly. Her breath was coming in small heaves as her brain to decipher what was happening.
Zero pulled away, taking with him the warmth she seemed so addicted to.
"Tell me the truth. What is it?" his eyes implored her desperately and she swallowed it seemed her soul to make the next sentence to come out.
"I don't want you."
Zero's hands grew limp around her waist as he stepped back, staring at her intensely. She saw the pain and hurt she had inflicted and wanted with every fiber of her being to take it all back. He took another step and she resisted the urge to run to him.
"But I want you," he said flatly, emotionlessly. She felt her heart shatter. "I am a selfish man and I will have you." Aria felt her eyes widen in fear; fear from the emotions that threatened to swamp her completely. She did the only thing that came to her in such a state; she ran.