Senri and Rima stood by the gate and watched as some of their classmates left.
"We should make preparations to leave soon too." Rima suggested.
"Takuma hasn't returned, and we haven't seen Akari yet." Senri reminded.
"I'm worried too but...oh." Rima spotted Akari amongst the crowd and waved at her.
Akari walked over to Rima and Senri. "Rima, I'm glad you're awake. How is your injury?"
"Senri gave me blood, so I feel better now." Rima explained.
"That's great." Akari turned to Senri. "Senri, I'm glad you're free from Rido's control."
Senri lowered his gaze. "Akari, the other day I..."
"Let's talk later." Akari said.
Senri looked up at her.
"I have a lot to tell you, but this isn't the time or place." Akari looked into his eyes. "Why don't we meet in town tomorrow evening? Are you fine with meeting in the cafe next to the library?"
Senri spoke after a few seconds. "That's fine. Let's talk then."
Akari turned to Rima. "Rima, I'm not trying to exclude you...I'll tell you everything later."
"You don't have to explain yourself to me." Rima remarked.
"I still have some things to take care of, so please don't wait for me." Akari turned around and walked away.
A few minutes later, Akari found Aido and walked up to him. "Aido, can I talk to you for a moment?"
Aido looked over his shoulder. "Sure. Actually, I had something to tell you too. Let's talk somewhere else."
Aido led Akari to a secluded area behind some trees.
He stopped and looked at her. "Akari, there's something I never told you...I saw your mother get murdered that night. I'm sorry I never told you anything."
"Were you going to betray your friend's trust to tell me the truth?" Akari asked.
Aido's eyes widened. "You knew who killed her?"
"A friend you love and admire...or a classmate you'd only spoken with a few times...it's obvious which side you would choose." Akari added. "I don't blame you."
Aido looked at the ground.
"However, if you still want to make it up to me, please do me a favor."
Aido looked up after hearing Akari's words.
"My friend and his sister worked under a Senate lord, but they are out of a job now. Do you think you could hire them? They are hard-working people, so you won't regret it." Akari added.
"I'll do what I can." Aido said.
"Thank you." Akari smiled.
Then, they heard voices approaching.
"If Hanabusa hadn't let Seiren leave, we could have figured out where Lord Kaname was going."
Aido huffed. "I'm tired of hearing you complain, Ruka."
Ruka and Akatsuki walked over to Aido and Akari.
"So many things were happening at once that Seiren was gone before we realized it." Aido frowned.
"Akari, do you know where Lord Kaname was headed?" Ruka asked.
Akari shook her head. "How would I know where he is if you three don't?"
YOU ARE READING
No Warmth
FanfictionAfter Akari was separated from her family as a child, she is taken in and raised by a human family. Ten years later, she attends Cross Academy seeking to find clues on her origins and vampire family's whereabouts. She also hopes to learn more about...