Aloha (Vampire Academy Fan-Fiction)

1. Aloha

The temperature was an immense change of climate compared to the weather back in Montana. It was November back in Montana and it was already snowing up a storm. However, in Hawaii, it looked like it was in the middle of summer. The plants were evergreen, the skies were cloud free, beautiful trade winds caressed my face and the humidity of the day unfrosted by grateful skin. I scrutinized the chirpy, perky, way-too-happy attendants who greeted me with the word Aloha. They even graced my neck with beautiful, hand-made flowers stung up together into a form of a necklace. They called this a Lei. I was overwhelmed with their immediate hospitality, and all I could do was stutter a surprise thank you to each lady.

"They're so kind," I exclaimed underneath my breath to Dante as I glanced over my shoulder at the ladies who were still chirping at me to have a wonderful stay, to come back soon, and that they enjoyed meeting me. We were heading outside of the HNL airport to the awaiting limo that promised to take us to St. Damien Academy.

Dante chuckled as he looked down at me through his really tinted shades, showing no effort in pushing the cart loaded with our stuff -- the majority of it was my ruby red suitcases, he only had one black duffle. "Maybe they could teach you a thing or two."

I scowled and glared daggers at him. "Tch. They could teach you a thing or two."

"They would be teaching me things I already know, Princess," he retorted nonchalantly, gazing briefly at his silver watch.

"You should show it, then."

"As you wish, Princess."

I rubbed my temple, biting down on my lip to escape the tumble of curses and comebacks that were waiting to be unleashed from my tongue. He aggravated me so much. I thought Guardians were supposed to be quiet, noble and respectful. Not annoying, rebellious and loud like Dante. I still can't believe to this day he's supposed to be the best out of the elite. If I had known he'd be this much of a hassle, I would've gone with a lower ranked Guardian that at least could shut his trap and listen to me. 

I didn't let him get to me too much, though. The weather was too beautiful to be worrying over my douche bag of a Guardian. The sun was beaming down at the entire island, and even if it should be absolutely fiery hot, the persistent wind blew away any major heat. The warmness of the island awoke my element, Fire. As I thought about it, I realized that this entire island was surrounded by the exact opposite element that I was connected to. Water. I mentally cringed. I didn't like water in any occasion unless it was for the necessities like drinking, showering and stuff. Other than that, I avoided pools and beaches. I couldn't swim, anyway. Being surrounded by water all of a sudden replaced my adoring mood of this island into fear. What happened if there was a Tsunami? I would be so screwed.

"What's the matter?" questioned Dante, breaking my train of thought. He stopped walking and looked unconcernedly around us. As I turned to face him, I realized he looked like a total bad ass. He was wearing dark jeans, an untucked starch dress shirt and combat boots. Add on the shades, and he looked like he walked straight out of a Terminator movie. And, okay, he was okay looking if you enjoyed men with muscles the size of soccer balls that were really, really tall. 

Dante lifted up his shades to uncover his cloudy hazel eyes to send me a questioning gaze. I blinked. Then, I realized that he had been expecting an answer. An answer that I had forgotten to give him since I had been too busy checking him out. I wasn't going to admit that to him. "Nothing."

"Are you sure? You looked worried."

I rolled my eyes, rose up my hands and gave an expasperated sigh. "I was thinking."

"About?" he narrowed his eyes, inquiring an answer. His hand was poised elegantly on his shades, making him look like he was posing for a cover shoot. 

I whirled around, putting my hands back on their sides. "None of your business." I kept on walking, focusing on my feet, my cheeks flaming pink from embarrassment for checking out my Guardian. I didn't find him attractive, I just never actually noticed him, that's all. It wasn't until a couple steps later I realized I didn't hear the clomping of his boots following me. I tossed a questioning look over my shoulder and realized he really wasn't following me.

"Tell me," he said simply as he resumed pushing the cart to catch up to me, snapping his Oakley shades back into place.

I pursed my lips and debated whether or not to tell him. Ah, what the hell. It wouldn't hurt anything but my... pride. "I was thinking about the amount of water that surrounds this place. I hate water. I can't swim. If there were a Tsunami or something," I muttered, "I'd be screwed."

I closed my eyes for a brief second, expecting the harsh Russian laugh of his to confirm my childish fear of water. I opened my eyes in shock as I realized that the laugh didn't come. Instead, Dante was at my side, looking down at me with an earnest expression.

"I wouldn't let you drown," he whispered.

I widened my eyes at him. That was the first serious thing that I had ever heard him utter from his mouth. I didn't know what to say. "I...uhm...thanks," I said lamely, the heat increasing on my lightly freckled face as I snapped my gaze away from him.

I don't know why I was so embarrassed. It was either because of the seriousness of his voice or my misjudgment of him being a total douche. 

We were now outside of the airport. The caressing wind became more prominent and so did the heat. There were two Guardians who formally greeted me, then Dante. They would be escorting us to St. Damien Academy. One of the Guardians, a female, held the door open for me as I slid across the leather seat, making room for Dante to sit beside me. He entered the car second at my side. The two Guardians glided into the front of the limo, the engine purred, and we were on our way to St. Damien.