Chapter 84: The Tournament Approaches
-----Yui's POV
Things have been quiet these past couple of days as I spent most of my time taking it easy in order to recover. Even though we talked it out when I was in the infirmary a couple days ago, things have been somewhat awkward between Kaede and I when the topic of blood comes up. I told her that everything's fine and that I'm more than happy to support her with her thirst for blood, however she's still hesitant, only taking very little blood when she does. It could be because I was still recovering, but I feel perfectly fine now, yet she still refuses to drink properly.
Fabian: "Are you even trying?"
Yui: "Ah- Yes! I am!"
In preparation for the tournament, I've been training with both Fabian, who I'm currently sparring with, and Luna, who's been focusing more on physical exercise. Kaede, for the most part, was watching while playing with some strange magic I've never seen before...
Our swords clash against one another as I can feel the weight of his attacks, far heavier than even Luna's longsword despite wielding a broadsword. It just goes to show the difference in power guys have over women, which makes sense as to why more men train to be knights over women. His attacks definitely put me more on a defensive strategy, focusing on deflections and using his weight against him. There were several points where I could've done some serious damage but I control myself and bring myself to his level.
Fabian: "I know you're faster than this. Come on! Don't hold back."
Yui: "Whatever you say~"
I take it up a notch, however it didn't take much to push him to a defensive stance. My fast, agile attacks quickly slice at him, making it difficult for him to keep up with his heavier sword. I do my best to not actually hurt him still, so I am lying to him that I'm not holding back, but I just don't want to hurt him. Plus the smile on his face as our swords clash brings me joy, I don't want it to end on a sour note.
Fabian: "Okay- You win... again-"
He conceded, panting heavily as I go to sheathe my rapier.
Yui: "Nice fight."
Fabian: "Mmm!"
I've started to get to know Fabian more during the course of our little practice session. I can see clearly now that he's always wanted this; wanting to spar with me. I wish we didn't need to exchange blows to have good conversations but it's a start at least, and I no longer have any ill will towards Fabian anymore.
I head on over to Kaede who's knelt down a bit away from where my fight with Fabian had taken place as she was continuing her- drawing? I kneel down beside her, making sure to not get in the way from what she's doing.
Yui: "Is this what you've been leaning in class?"
Kaede: "Mhmm. It's a crest that Julius had taught us. Apparently it's supposed to summon your familiar, but it's quite tricky. Julius made it seem easy."
Yui: "Familiar?"
Kaede: "It's your mana taking it's spiritual form. Julius' familiar is a small water serpent, like a snake."
Yui: "That sounds cool! Are they powerful?"
Kaede: "From what Julius said, no. They're just another way to express your mana I think, but Julius' said that they can interact with the outside world."
Yui: "Outside world?"
Kaede: "Well, in this case it would be your vessel inside you, but they can't stay out for too long from what I learnt."
Her class seems way more cooler than my class! I only really picked the knight class because I was afraid I would be terrible at all the other classes, and also because Luna was also taking it. But now my thoughts are focused on these 'familiars' Kaede's talking about. My magic is quite unique from the looks of it so I'm very curious to know what form my mana takes.
Kaede: "There. I think~ I'm done?"
Looking down at the rune she created, it doesn't appear to be doing anything as I stare at it in wonder.
Yui: "What happens now?"
Kaede: "The moment of truth. I have to pour my mana into this crest to complete the summoning, however my previous attempts have all failed."
Yui: "Well, lets see!"
Kaede: "...You may wanna stand back."
Her voice became a little shaky as I could sense that something bad might happen, like she was about to remote detonate some dynamite or something. I so as she said and take a few steps back as I watch on.
Kaede: "Okay. I'm starting."
She brought her hands onto the crest as it slowly started to glow dimly, slowly growing brighter as time went on. I couldn't help but notice Kaede turning her head away from the crest as she continued what she was doing, almost like she was afraid to cut the wrong wire from a bomb. She looked cute, however her face did look anxious as her eyes were tightly shut as I patiently waited for what was about to- Suddenly, a massive light flashed in front of me along with the loud sound of lightning with sparks flying from the crest, completely engulfing Kaede.
Yui: "Kaede!"
Kaede: "I'm... fine."
With the light now dissipated, I could see the look of disappointed on her face as I go back to her.
Yui: "I'm guessing that was another fail?"
Kaede: "Yeah..."
Yui: "Are other students in your class succeeding?"
Kaede: "No, actually only Violet was able to succeed in her summoning of her familiar so I'm not that stressed about it."
Relief washes over me knowing that she isn't behind anyone in class.
Yui: "Is Violet a new friend of yours?"
Kaede: "Oh- no she's- I guess the sister of a friend I made?"
She looked a tad bit suspicious when I asked about Violet, but I'll let that slide for now as instead go in and wrap an arm around Kaede's side.
Yui: "I'm sure you'll get it right soon. I can't wait to see what your familiar is like."
Kaede: "Mhmm... but I am scared of what it might be. It could be some kind of monster for all I know."
Yui: "I doubt it. Since you're not a monster."
I bring her closer with my arm, resting my head against her shoulder, trying to comfort her and try to have her throw away that thought of her being a monster. Barely any times passes before Kaede responds as she rests her head against mine.
Kaede: "Thank you."
Yui: "Mmm. I'll remind you for as long as it takes."
-----Kaede's POV
Why the fuck is my body acting up in this situation? I cant understand why Yui is the only one that's making my body react like this. In class I feel fine and feels like I can go months without blood, but the moment I see Yui or even think about her, my body starts to heat up; craving her. It makes times like these where I can be like this with Yui and share in each other warmth that much harder as I have to focus on not losing myself again. I do not want what happened a couple days ago to happen again...
Yui: "Hmm? What's wrong?"
Kaede: "Nothing, it's just that- yeah."
Yui: "Bro! I'm going to the bathroom with Kaede~"
Bathroom? I didn't need to go, so why does Yui want to take me there of all places?
Fabian: "Okay! I'll stick with Luna and keep her company."
Luna: "Eh? Then I'll come too-"
Yui: "You finished your laps already?"
Luna: "...Not yet."
Yui: "Then finish it up first. I'll only be gone for a bit, I'll come back soon okay?"
Luna: "Okay...
Yui: "Let's go."
She pulls me along as we exit the the training area. Instead of heading into the academy's buildings, she leads me to a remote areas beside it where no one seems to be around.
Kaede: "This isn't the-"
Yui: "I know, but we need some place where no one can see right?"
She starts to unbutton one of her buttons on her uniform, exposing her neck to me as I now realize what she means. The smell of her blood under her soft, smooth skin becomes all the more desirable as I feel my heart begin to beat faster.
Kaede: "..."
Yui: "Come on, it's embarrassing when you stare like that. Plus someone might come by so-"
My body gives in as I softly hold her by the shoulders before moving my mouth to the side of her neck that she exposed, the sensation my body is feeling becomes even stronger until finally, I sink my fangs inside her, piercing her skin as her blood fills my mouth. I've drank Yui's blood for a while now, however every time I do, her taste becomes sweeter and sweeter as I find it difficult to stop myself. The thought of losing control snaps me out of my daze as I stop with only a few mouthfuls before gently taking my fangs out, savoring her taste as much as possible before my body instinctively swallows it.
Kaede: "...Sorry."
Yui: "Is that it?"
Kaede: "Yeah."
Yui: "Are you sure? You can take more than-"
Kaede: It's fine. I just-"
My fingers clench onto her uniform from her shoulders, finding it difficult to look her in the eyes.
Kaede: "I don't wanna lose control again. Every time we do this it get more and more difficult... Maybe it would be better if I stop."
I figured this might be similar to when people get addicted to smoking or drinking that they cannot stop. Maybe by drinking Yui's blood it somehow got my body addicted to her taste? So thinking that, It might be better to see if I can return back to normal as live my life comfortably with Yui.
Yui: "... We'll talk about this later. We need to head back before Luna and Fabian gets worried."
Kaede: "...Okay."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone