Finding My Way

Chapter 3

I'm standing in the gardens waiting for Zero. The Academy will be opening its doors to students tomorrow so Zero and I have planned one last training session in preparation. We've been working out every day, running through drills with our weapons, and pushing ourselves to the limit. We've also been trying to adapt our bodies to run on less sleep. We're going to be patrolling the grounds at night and still expected to attend our classes during the day, with minimal times to sleep in between patrol duties.

My limited social life has now almost been eradicated. I wasn't the most popular person anyway, but I'd like to think that I had made some friends. I wonder if they'll still be my friends this year, when I'm never around and then, when I am, I'm telling them to keep away from the beautiful new students or sleeping.

"It's a thankless job," my father had said at the dinner after we learned about the establishment of the Night Class, "But one that must be done. You two are the only ones I trust to do it."

My fingers reach for Artemis, the Hunter's Weapon with which my father had entrusted me, in its holster on my upper thigh. It's the ideal location for the rod because it rests under my skirt, but I can pull it out in an instant when needed. The Artemis Rod is only about a foot long when it's resting, but extends into a long staff when I wield it. My father said that Hunter's Weapons can only hurt vampires. They do no harm to humans, which I find relieving because I don't want to accidentally injure someone.

I look again at my watch. Zero is fifteen minutes late. Again! He has been so reclusive this month and almost always late. I sigh. Will this be what it's like this year? I wonder.

I look around the area once again and then decide to run through my drills with Artemis. I don't notice anyone approaching until he is right behind me. I swing around to come face to face with Kaname Kuran. I drop Artemis in shock. And then, my face flushing, I hastily bend down to pick the rod up. The vampire's hands brush mine as he too puts his hand on the weapon, sending a strange sensation from where our skin met and up my arm. I snatch Artemis away and stand up hastily.

He slowly stands up as well, lifting his hands in front of him soothingly. "Relax, Yuki, I meant no harm. I just wanted to hand Artemis back to you."

I blush again. "Oh, sorry. I guess I'm pretty jumpy." Vampires have heightened senses, including hearing, so I really hope he can't hear how fast my heart is racing. I'm not sure if it's from fear or nervousness. Maybe both.

"That's perfectly understandable, Yuki," he says. His voice sounds so comforting and familiar. Where had I heard it? "You handle Artemis very well. It's clear that you've been practicing in the last month since we met."

He takes a step closer to me. We're about a foot away and his face above mine suddenly seems really close. He says in a quieter voice, "But you should not let people sneak up on you like that. You should be more aware of your surroundings."

My heart is pounding. Why is he so attractive? Was it just because he's a vampire? Or is it because I truly find him attractive?

"I-I'll try to remember that," I say, taking a step back.

"Vampire!" a voice rings out. "What are you doing here? Class doesn't start until tomorrow." I turn and see Zero striding towards us.

Kaname turns and faces Zero. "I'm here ahead of time to see that the transition is as straightforward as possible," he says smoothly. "At nightfall, the rest of the vampires will be moving in to the Moon Dorm so that they can settle in and familiarize themselves with the area."

Zero mutters under his breath, "Probably want to find the best hunting grounds."

Kaname raises his eyebrows at this, but says nothing. "I better be off, Yuki. I need to speak with your father. I hope to see you soon." And with a wave of his hand, he walks off in the direction of the main building.