No Warmth

Chapter 14- Memories

"Welcome back, Akari." Shizuka was sitting on the sofa. "I was expecting you to come a little later since the ball just started."

"I told the others that I would look after Maria since she wasn't feeling well." Akari explained. "I figured this would be the ideal time to talk without any interruptions."

Shizuka smiled. "That's true."

Akari looked into her mother's eyes. "Now, I want you to tell me what happened to you and father...and I want to know why you killed Zero's parents."

"It would be better for you to drink my blood...you'll be able to see my memories with your own eyes." Shizuka said. "However, you'll have to give me some of your blood afterwards. I haven't been inside my own body for four years, so I'll be ravenous when I awaken."

Ichiru brought Shizuka's real body from the other room. He set her down next to Maria's body.

Maria's eyes closed as Shizuka's eyes opened.

Maria's body slumped against the sofa's cushion.

Ichiru picked up Maria's body carefully, and took her to the other room.

Akari sat down beside Shizuka on the sofa.

Shizuka held out her arm. "Go ahead."

Akari sank her fangs into Shizuka's arm.

The first memory brought Akari back to the garden of her old home.

Her father's canvas was in the center of the garden; it had a painting of a wisteria tree.

Akari looked back and froze.

A silver-haired man dug his sword into her father's chest.

"Another vampire approaches," a brown-haired woman put a hand on her partner's shoulder. "Our job is done...we should go."

The silver-haired man nodded and pulled out his blade.

"Father!" Akari ran towards her father. She spread her arms out to catch him, but he passed right through her and fell on the grass.

Shizuka walked into the garden and her eyes narrowed.

She took a step towards the hunters, but froze when she heard a groan. "Hayate!" She rushed to her lover's side.

The hunters retreated.

Shizuka knelt beside Hayate and cradled his body against her own. "Hurry, drink my blood." She brought her wrist near his mouth.

Hayate pressed one of his hands against her cheek. "I-m sorry...you'll be alone again."

Shizuka's eyes widened when Hayate's body disintegrated into sand. She placed her forehead on his remains and wept.

Akari heard voices and saw a group of vampires approach. "Lady Shizuka, we are here to bring you back home."

Then, the scenery around Akari changed.

Now, they were in a room that resembled a big cage. The entrance and window were barred.

Books and ripped pages were scattered on the floor, and the futon was in disarray. However, the paintings on the walls were still intact.

Shizuka looked at the cherry blossom tree through the barred window.

Suddenly, Akari heard footsteps approach them. She turned around and her eyes widened.

Kaname looked at her mother from the other side of the bars.