∆ Clock Strikes TEN

'AAAAHHHH!' I whined loudly and panted. 'Why in the seventh heaven must we jog up and down this hill a dozen times?!'

Ayato wiped the sweat off his forehead. 'Oi, don't get tired easily, you're tiring me as well.' He said.

'How am I supposed to not be tired?!'

'That's why you need exercise.'

I clicked my tongue. 'As if you exercise, all you do is eat Takoyaki and sleep. You must've used your vampire power to help maintain your stamina, am I correct?'

Ayato rolled his eyes. 'I did not.'

'Hey, red boy, weird girl, stop chatting! Get your legs moving!' I heard Colette called from afar. Ayato and I exchanged a meaningful glance.

'Sensei!' I called out loud. 'Why are you not running? Isn't that unfair?'

-

My legs weren't keeping up. My brain was demanding me to run as fast as I could but my legs lacked the stamina and the power to do so. I was out of breath and the night was dark, I was sprinting through the dark, following my instinct. The howls echoed after me.

Not too long ago, I excused myself from the group to head to the toilet back at the dorm. Ayato perhaps didn't notice me as I saw him sleeping, head on his palm, sitting up. I thought it'd only take 5 minutes but I was wrong when I heard howls as I neared the dorm. By the door, I spotted three oddly black wolves and they were staring straight at me albeit I was still a few feet away from them. I took a step back and they took one step forward. At that moment, I knew I shouldn't stay so I dashed off trying to get to the base camp but I forgot the way so I just ran anywhere.

That was how doom was brought upon me and I was still running, though I've slowed down tremendously. I thought of hiding but the idea of them being able to smell my presence crossed my mind. The howls echoed louder and I cringed. Where to go?!

And thus, the most cliché scene of all horror movies made its appearance. I tripped on my own leg. Clever. Luckily, I tripped and fell from something high, which I guessed was a short cliff (not sure if it's called a cliff if it's short). When I landed, I laid on my back and panted heavily, slightly relieved. The wolves hovered above me, their tongues sticking out hungrily.

'Why are you guys here all of a sudden?' I whispered to myself.

Then, something absurd happened. Two of the wolves stood and slowly, they transformed into a human. I gaped and sat up. I recognized one of them—it was Shin!

'Hello, little lamb, it seems that we meet again.' Shin beamed and the two appeared in front of me. The lone wolf remained up above. I struggled to my feet and brushed my back.

'Hi, Shin,' I waved awkwardly. 'What are you doing here?'

The longhaired dude beside him was being silent as he watched me.

'I'm here with an invitation for that red-haired brat. Where is he?' Shin answered.

'He's at the base camp. If it's for him why were you chasing me?!'

'Because I was too lazy to make him go away from the crowd.' Shin shrugged.

Suddenly the longhaired dude came closer to me. His hand reached out and held my face. I raised a brow, confused. He leaned towards my ear. 'There might be a cure.' He spoke.

I didn't answer and he continued, 'It's the Eclipse Party and Duel. The great witch might be there to help you.'

A blinding green light flashed across us and the longhaired guy backed away. Ayato appeared beside me, one arm in front, in attempt to protect me. 'Get off. you filth!' he hissed.

Shin smirked. 'Filth? We're the First Bloods. You should look in the mirror sometimes, Sakamaki. You're invited to the Eclipse. Make sure you come because there might be something in store for you.'

'Let's get going.' The other guy turned away and the two of them disappeared. Ayato spun to face me, his face a mixture of anger and confusion.

'I-I didn't do anything!' I quickly raised both of my hands to defend myself.

'I know,' He muttered and grabbed my hand. 'I told you not to stray away from me.'

'I needed to pee.' I said in a small voice.

'So?'

I gave him a questioning look.

'I'll wait somewhere near. Besides, I'm sure my lifespan would cut down to half if I were to look at your ass.' He shrugged.

'How dare you!' I slapped his arm with my free hand, earning a cute chuckle from him.

'So...' I displayed another questioning look at him. Ayato casted a sideway glance to me. 'What's that Eclipse thingy?'

'Just some of those First Bloods spouting shits and nonsense,' he spat. 'During eclipse, we vampires are usually weakened who the hell knows why but the First Bloods are basically too strong so they're not affected. Party and duel, you heard them. There'd be a nice party and all but if you were to be chosen and it's likely to be so, you'd be fighting a duel to death. We never attend the party so don't think of coming. It's like trying to die.'

'Then the party is going to be empty?'

'No. There are also stupid vampires who wish to die early. They'd want to show their strength and all, stuffs like that. The noble, ranked vampires would also attend but they have special protection during the Eclipse.'

'So, during the Eclipse phases, what do you guys do?'

'Nothing in particular, we live normally; it's just that we are careful not to get hurt and not to get into any fights. Healing ability will consume a lot of energy so we tend to sleep until Eclipse phases end.'

'But Shin said the great witch might be there to help us.'

'Note that he said "might", don't be fooled by his words. He's just trying to lure vampires into their loom.'

I nodded in understanding, a little disappointed by his rejection. Ayato probably sensed it. He squeezed my hand. 'If you really want to then maybe we can sneak in and spy for the witch or something... Don't make that stupid face.' He said.

I glanced at him. 'It's okay. If it's going to hurt you either way then let's not go there.'

'I'll be fine, girl.'

I smiled slightly. 'Sure you will.'

-

'Oh! We've arrived!'

I frowned. Where did that voice come from? It was really dark but I knew I was standing up somewhere. It was cold and I reached out my hands to feel for obstacles in front of me. When I confirmed that it was clear, I took a step forward but a hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me so I wouldn't move.

'No, miss. You can't go further. You'll fall into the fire.'

'W-Who are you?' I questioned.

'I'm Ki. Nice to meet you.'

'Uh... hi...? Where are we?'

'I get this a lot. I've no idea where because it's your dream. I just happened to arrive here with my sister Li. Where are we, miss?'

'I don't know as well. I can't see because it's really dark.'

'Usually,' it was a girl's voice. 'When you can't see, it's your nightmare. We're in a place you fear the most.'

'Is that your sister?'

'Yes,' Ki answered. 'Now, where do you think we are?'

'I... don't think I have a place that I fear to be in.'

'That's funny. I feel heat though.' Li commented.

'It's cold.' I denied.

'That's funnier—' Ki stopped himself. 'Someone's here.'

As if on cue, a shrill laugh could be heard from a distance and I cringed in fear as it sounded like a cry of agony. 'Don't move.' Ki whispered and I did as I was told.

'Where?!' a woman's voice yelled. 'Where's that thing!?'

Suddenly, something was wrapped around my chest and it became very hard to breath. I suffocated and began thrashing around to gain some air. It was to no avail—I was going to die!

-

'KIZUNA!'

I opened my eyes and panted heavily. Ayato was on top of me; his hands were gripping my wrists so tight it felt like they were going to break from the force. We were in an awkward position, just to add.

'Ayato...' I breathed in relief.

'Why were you screaming like a madman?!' he chided but his worry was plastered over his face too.

'I did?'

Just then, my chest hurt again so I groaned. 'What's wrong?' Ayato queried.

'M-My chest...!' I whimpered. He got off me and I sat up, clutching my shirt where my chest was located. Trying so hard to breathe, I grasped on the bed sheet like my life depended on it.

'Let me see.' He tried to remove my hand.

I frowned and backed away. 'No!' I rasped.

He gave me a glare. 'It's not the time to be embarrassed, Kizuna.'

Slowly, I removed my hand and he tore the chest part of my shirt. I had the time to blush albeit the pain. 'It's bleeding.' He commented. Inhaling, I looked down to my chest and gasped.

There was a deep horizontal cut about 3 inches and blood was trickling down. I laughed weakly. 'Was it not a dream...?' I murmured to myself. Ayato coughed horribly.

'How did you get this?' he began to pant.

'I don't know...' I shook my head.

He stared at me.

'I swear I don't—'

'I know,' He cut me off. 'Someone attacked you... but how? I was here the whole time.'

'I had a dream of someone attacking me, though. Is that possible?' I asked.

Ayato exhaled sharply. 'No idea, let's just heal this for now.' He placed a palm on the cut part and in a few seconds, it was healed.

'Uh... can you like... sew my shirt back or something?' I blinked.

He shook his head, his expression grim and pushed me down on the bed before pulling the blanket up to my chin. 'Rest. The headache is going to kill me.' He muttered.

'Okay.'

But I couldn't sleep.

-

When I came out of the shower, Ayato was frowning and groaning in his sleep. I decided to let him be but when I remembered about my dream, I thought he might have gotten the same dream so I rushed to him.

'Ayato!' I called out and shook his body. 'Ayato, wake up!'

His fingers grasped my arms. 'Let me... breathe...!' he croaked in pain.

I stared at him worriedly, not knowing what to do except trying my best to shake him awake. 'Ayato! Ayato! Can you hear me? Ayato!'

His eyes sprang open and sitting up, he quickly caught me in an embrace.

'Ayato, what happened?' I whispered, shocked at his action.

'You're in danger...' he replied weakly. 'Someone's coming to get you.'

'I-I'm safe. Look, I'm right here. Who's going to fetch me? Ruki?'

'You don't understand... my head hurts so much. Please, let me stay like this for some time. I can't think.' His voice sounded like he was begging.

'Okay.'

His pant slowly grew into normal breaths as I patted his back repeatedly, calming him down. On the second thought, he smelled nice.

-

'Has the pain decreased?' I asked Ayato as we walked through the forest together with the rest of the class while Gemini kept pointing out for prominent floras.

'Yeah.' He replied shortly.

After a few minutes of silence and walking, he spoke up, 'Do you actually want to go to the party?' he queried.

I shook my head. 'I'm curious but not extremely curious to beg you to let us go to the party.'

'Good.' he noted.

'Have you ever tried going? Or the intention to?'

'Our mothers are aware of the danger despite them treating their children like pieces of trash. They'd not want to kill their sons that have the potential to be their tools. Children of Karl Heinz are powerful.'

'You're powerful?' I forced myself to not smile.

He rolled his eyes. 'I am.'

I giggled and posed another question. 'Did you dream of something this morning?'

'Just some weird twins appearing and talking as if my dream is a wonderland.' He shrugged.

'Ki and Li?'

He frowned. 'Who?'

'Oh, maybe you didn't ask for names...' I murmured. 'That's fine, nothing important. I was just asking.'

'I'm deprived of Takoyaki.' He suddenly sighed.

'We'll buy lots when we come back, shall we?'

At the word "back", both of us gasped. 'We have tests coming up next week!' I groaned and clicked my tongue.

'Okay, tonight marks the end of our meaningful trip!' Colette/Gemini announced and we turned to her. 'Thank you for participating and good luck for next week's test! Now, let's get back to our rooms and have a good night sleep!'

-

I was sitting on the sand by the shore; the beach was a bit farther than the rooms but we weren't forbidden to take a tour around the place for the last time. The wind was very breezy that night so I thought resting by the beach would give me calmness.

Three minutes into deep thoughts, I sighed. I missed the Mukami brothers like crazy. The warmth of a family, even if it's a fake one is a real comfort. But the thought soon changed course to Ayato. His face appeared in my mind. His usual face would include a package of a casual smirk, hunt-preying eyes, and tousled adorable red hair... I unconsciously smiled to myself.

It reminded me too, of the time when he was so arrogant but had to stay low from sucking my blood as it hurt him. I wonder if I'd really die by his hands when the curse is broken. Or would the Mukami save me beforehand? Would our curse even get cured...?

I don't want this curse to be cured... Because that way, I won't have a reason to stay with that redhead—

I gasped loudly and threw a hand to my mouth. What the fuck did I just think of?! Standing up, I ran to the water until it was knee length then shouted my heart out, 'WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING KIZUNA!!!!'

My voice echoed through the night and I sighed in relief, hands on my hips. 'Whew, a lot better.' I commented. The water was really cold so I had no choice but to retreat back to the shore, lowering down my pants. As I did, a pair of legs stopped in front of me.

'You must be thinking of perverted things, Kizuna.'

I gasped and stood straight but the action resulted in me hitting Ayato's chin. We both groaned in pain, my hand behind my head and Ayato's hand on his chin. 'I'm sorry!' I slightly yelled. 'A-And I wasn't thinking of perverted things!' I denied but my face was very hot.

'You're blushing real hard while you said that.' Ayato said.

I didn't reply and frowned at him.

'I was guessing,' he raised a brow. 'Now you made it obvious.' It turned into a smirk.

I rolled my eyes, annoyed. 'Whatever I was thinking it wasn't about you!'

'I didn't say anything.' He blinked at me.

I inhaled sharply and kept quiet, sitting on the sand once again, defeated. Ayato took a seat beside me. 'The night is perfect for some intimacy.' He commented, gazing up at the half moon.

I looked at him, disgusted. 'Don't talk about that stuff to me. I'm underage.'

'I wasn't talking to you.'

I clicked my tongue but a question popped into my mind. 'Ayato, what did you do during your childhood?'

He glanced at me then his expression changed slightly. 'Nothing much, just studying and shits.'

'Oh...'

'Why do you ask?'

'Well, I thought noble families might have it differently. I only remember the part where the Mukami brothers fetched me from the orphanage to adopt me. I didn't know what else happened before that. Weird, if I must say, because I knew how my parents died and stuffs. The orphanage told me they died in a random attack or something... afterwards the Mukami brothers took care of me and I lived life usually. Not sure if it's called usual... I don't think they're normal.'

'My mother was a complete slut and wanted to appear the best to my father, which is annoying because I'm her tool for that goal. I had to study all the time and my time to play was very limited. Raito and Kanato got it easier. They didn't have to worry about what I had to worry, as I am older than them. I was also tortured sometimes for disobeying that bitch.'

I gaped at him. 'That sounds horrible.'

'I killed her—'

'You WHAT?!' I cut him off.

'I killed her,' he repeated then shrugged. 'It's not a big deal Kizuna. We vampires don't treasure family so affectionately like how humans would. Well, that's for me... I don't know about others.'

'Oh... at least you had a mother to think of. I don't remember what my mother looked like.'

'It's Beatrice, right? Your mother.'

'Yeah.'

'Then I'm sure Shuu or Reiji would have her picture.'

'You believe that my Beatrice is the same as theirs?'

'You can check if it's hard to swallow.'

'I will, when I have the time to think about it.'

'Good because we need time to focus on curing the curse.'

I stiffened at that. Curing the curse... somehow it felt lonely when he said that. HUSH Kizuna! You need to break the curse! You want to go home, don't you?! Break. The. Curse.

'Kizuna?' Ayato turned his head to me, seeing me not responding.

I spun to him.

But I think I've started something I shouldn't have.

'What?' he frowned.

With that, I quickly leaned forward, closed my eyes and touched his lips with mine.

**** WRAPPED ****

A/N: Whew 3021 words I must be drunk. Thank you for those who are still reading this! University is keeping me off my laptop so I only have the time to update bits by bits. My foundation life will end in April so I will try my very best to update constantly and consistently starting from April!

I now know how to find inspirations for Diabolik Lovers (since the anime has finished airing). I watched videos of the game and got a little horny lol. No, I don't mean sexually horny. I meant—horny like horny for writing(?) does that exist?

I don't know anymore. I was thinking of cutting this into half so I can have CS11 almost finished but I thought putting the last scene in the middle of the story wouldn't give much "heat". I want that last scene to keep playing in your mind and again and again until I update XD

I love all of you <3

By my leave, mortals.