The Lonely King

Summary: AU Kaname Kuran finds an enigma in the form of Yuuki Cross, a commoner with a gentle heart. With the shackles of loneliness upon him, will she be able to free the king from his past? Kaname/Yuuki

A/N: I can't believe I'm actually posting this XD For the most part, I've noticed that the western fandom clearly leans towards Zeki but I guess I'm one of the few who actually likes Yuume XD anyway, reviews and critiques are much obliged; I will not accept flaming (whether it be of Yuume or Zeki shippers) so keep that in mind…

Major pairing: Kaname/Yuuki

Minor pairings: Aidou/Yori and Akatsuki/Ruka

Chapter title and quote from the song: Lonesome Dreams by Lord Huron (it's one of my faves!)

Disclaimer: Matsuri Hino owns VK. Not me.


Chapter 1: Lonesome Dreams

.

"I've been dreaming again of a lonesome world where I'm lost…"

.

A brunette man sat on the edge of a windowpane, alabaster fingers brushing against the cold glass. Mahogany eyes fluttered close as he tipped his head backwards, letting out a single breath. From the curve of the large, arched window a single crack formed, splintering into a spider web of cuts. Pieces of glass fell onto the wooden floor in a shower of silver, clattering noisily. Immediately, a blonde head poked in through the opposite door.

"Milord, is everything alright? I heard a crash—"

Before the noble could finish his sentence, a hole appeared in the wall next to his head. Crimson eyes glared down at the frightened man.

"Hanabusa, leave. Now." He commanded, voice dripping with authority.

"Y-yes, Milord, p-please excuse me!" Aidou quickly shut the door, shivering with fear. He slumped down against the door, taking in deep, shallow breaths.

"T-that was scary!"

"What did you do this time, Hanabusa?" An orange-haired man approached, walking down the elegant hallway.

"I didn't do anything! I just opened the door and he got upset! Maybe it was because I didn't knock on the door…"

"Uh, Hanabusa, I don't think that's—"

"Quiet, Kain! Next time I'll knock three times so he knows someone's there! Of course, how could I be so stupid? He must get tired of people barging into the throne room without making their presence known!"

"…You're the only one who doesn't knock before entering." Kain muttered under his breath, grabbing the youth by his wrist.

"Come on, the rest of the nobles are already at the meeting. We'll be scolded by Kaname-sama if we don't show up."

"Awww, but Akatsuki, those meetings are always so boring! It's just a bunch of stuffy old men talking about the impending war and economics and other stuff I don't care about. How about we take a trip into the city, undercover? Who knows, we may just find some willing… meals." A flash of crimson invaded his eyes but quickly faded away as he smiled at his cousin.

"…Fine. But, if we get caught, I'm going to say it was all your idea." The bronze-skinned man replied, following after the younger noble. He took one last apologetic glance at the door. Sorry, Kaname-sama, but someone has to make sure Aidou doesn't get himself killed.


"Yuuki, what are you doing?" An auburn-haired woman questioned, watching as her friend climbed into a large oak tree.

"There's a kitten stuck in the tree, Yori-chan! I can't just leave it there!" The brunette climbed further, fingers brushing against the animal's head. The black cat let out a hiss, swiping its claws against her outstretched hand. Blood welled from the wound as the girl winced in pain.

"Oww… that was mean, kitty! I'm just trying to save you!" She reached again, wrapping her unwounded hand around its stomach. The animal mewled, kicking against its savior, but Yuuki held on, climbing back to the ground.

"Yuuki… it's getting late. We should go home before it gets dark. You can bring the kitten with you."

"Alright, let's go—" In her distraction the kitten wormed its way out of her grasp, running towards an alleyway.

"W-wait, come back!" Yuuki called out, following after the skittish animal. Yori sighed, taking one last glance at the setting sun before heading towards the alleyway.

The two girls chased after the animal, running through the maze of streets until coming to a dead end. The kitten was nowhere in sight. The pair took deep breaths, steadying their breathing.

"Let's go back, Yuuki. It's dangerous to be out on the streets at night—"

"It most certainly is." An unfamiliar voice cut in.

From the dark two men appeared, wearing what appeared to be clothes of the nobility. Yori immediately stepped in front of the other girl, face impassive.

"Yes. That's why we are leaving." She took the brunette by the hand, passing the two strangers. Before they could leave the alley, a cold hand brushed against her shoulder, spinning her around.

"You know that was pretty rude. You're supposed to bow to nobles, after all." A cocky grin was plastered on his face. The other noble merely looked around nervously, as if trying to appear not involved with the impending confrontation.

"L-let go!" She immediately kicked the man in the shin, freeing herself from his grasp. Quickly, she took Yuuki's hand and led them down the winding streets.

"Thank you, Yori-chan! Those two weren't like others of the nobility. Something seemed… off about them."

The honey-eyed woman nodded in agreement. "That's why I thought it would be better to run."

"Ok, now I'm more than a little pissed off!" A voice boomed from above. The figure jumped from the roof to the cobblestone street, sneering.

The girls ran in the opposite direction only to find the other noble blocking their path.

"…Sorry about this. Sometimes Hanabusa just gets into one of those 'moods.'" He looked up at the moon, trying not to get even more involved. A hint of crimson invaded his amber eyes but he gritted his teeth as his cousin chuckled.

"Now, which one of you is bleeding? I know I smelled a delicious scent before." His once cerulean eyes turned a dark scarlet as he targeted the petite brunette.

"Ah, so it was you! Don't worry, I don't bite… hard." His wide smile revealed a pair of fangs as he approached in a slow, languid manner.

"V-vampire? B-but they don't—can't exist!" Yuuki fell to the ground, clutching her head as a forgotten memory pressed against her eyes. Blood, snow, a mahogany-eyed man…

Yori shielded the shivering woman, glaring at the vampire. "I won't let you attack Yuuki. Even if you try to kill me—"

The blonde let out a laugh, clutching at his sides, "Kill you? I wouldn't want to get your unsightly blood on my suit. Besides, it wouldn't be 'trying.' You would be dead in seconds."

The amber-eyed woman slapped the blonde across the cheek, glaring. "Don't you dare underestimate humans."

The slap had its intended effect. The vampire let out a threatening growl, turning his attention to the auburn-haired woman and away from the brunette.

"Wrong move, human." He roughly grabbed her shoulders, ice forming under his fingertips.

She struggled futilely in his grip, hazel eyes wide with fear as he lowered his mouth to her neck.

"Aidou. Kain. You've disobeyed my orders yet again." A brunette man appeared on the roof of the nearest building, eyes glowing crimson. Immediately, both vampires fell to their knees, prostrating themselves on the ground.

"We humbly ask for your forgiveness, Kaname-sama." Kain started, only to feel a heavy weight against his shoulders when he tried to look up.

"Y-yes, I apologize for my misdoings, Milord. It will not happen again—"

"You're right. It won't because your punishment will be so severe you won't even think about disobeying me again." Both vampires winced at the voice as the man glided to the ground.

"Are you two alright?" He glanced at both of the girls, but his eyes lingered on the brunette. Yori nodded her head, relieved as the ice melted off of her shoulders. Kaname reached out a hand to the woman on the ground, giving a small, somewhat saddened smile.

Hesitantly, Yuuki took his hand as he helped her to her feet. She gasped at his face, cinnamon orbs wide with surprise.

"You are—"

"My name is Kaname Kuran. It seems you've remembered me, Yuuki."

"Y-yes. You were the one who saved me when I was a child lost in the snowstorm, right? There was blood and a man… no, a monster, with fangs."

"I see… your memories have come back. That is correct; I was the one who saved you that night. But, I'm afraid I'll have to erase both of your memories tonight. Though, I am glad that you could remember me fondly, even if it was only for a little while."

Before she could respond he placed his hand on her head, a violet glow erupting from his hand.

"N-no! I don't want to forget… about you." She managed to say before darkness took over her vision. She fell into his arms, head burrowed in his chest. The king brought his lips to her hand as a purple glow covered the cut. The wound eventually closed. He then removed his lips from her feather-soft skin, taking in a slightly shaky breath. Carefully, he placed Yuuki on the ground before walked over to the honey-eyed woman. "Now, it's your turn."

"But, I don't want to forget. I've always known there was something dangerous lurking in the darkness. That there was a reason for the curfew. If you erase my memories it won't be long until I find out the secret again."

"…I will see for myself. If it is true and the existence of vampires is tightly wrapped within your memories than I will have no other choice but to leave you of the memories of tonight. But, you will be closely monitored if that is the case. The existence of our kind cannot become common knowledge."

He placed his hand on her head, closing his eyes as he searched her memories. "It seems that to remove every hint of our existence would only cause you to go into a catatonic-like state. I do not wish to do this so I will set up a guardian of sorts to watch over you."

"I understand, thank you, Milord." She bowed, watching as the man returned to pick up the brunette. He held her bridal-style, turning towards the two kneeling nobles.

"I will take her back to her home. Kain, Aidou, I expect you to return to the castle. I'll explain your punishment later."

They both reluctantly got to their feet, disappearing in the direction of the castle.

"I apologize that I am unable to see you safely to your home, Miss…?"

"Sayori Wakaba. But I go by Yori."

"Well, Miss Yori, I'll make sure your friend gets home safely. I bid you farewell."

Just as he turned to leave the auburn-haired girl called out, "Ah, are you really the king? He's been said to have ruled over this country for over eighty years."

"I am. But, I've been in power for at least three-hundred years." He replied, disappearing into the darkness.


The king lounged in his throne, a large tome in his lap. He skimmed his fingers against the paper as he read. His thoughts, however, were still on a certain cinnamon-eyed girl. The pureblood paused from his reading when three quick knocks came from the large double-doors.

"Come in." He replied, shutting the book.

Aidou and Kain walked in, bowing before falling to their knees in front of the king. Both looked positively frightened, the blonde vampire willing his teeth to stop chattering as they awaited his ruling.

"Good. You've arrived just on time. I've finally decided on your punishments. Kain, while you didn't come up with the idea or attack anyone you also did nothing to stop your cousin from doing so. As such, you are unable to leave the castle grounds for any reason for a week. Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes, Kaname-sama."

"You may leave. I wish to speak to Aidou, in private."

The orange-haired man bowed one final time before walking out of the room. Aidou mentally screamed at his cousin for leaving him alone. You traitor! I'll get you for this later!

"Aidou. You attacked not one, but two humans in a night. While neither were seriously hurt, I have noticed you've never truly thought of humans as your equals. Merely livestock. You know I wish to bridge the gap between humans and vampires yet you continue to resist. That is why I've decided on the perfect punishment for you. You are to shadow the woman you attacked, Sayori Wakaba, and protect her. Perhaps she can show you the merit in humans."

"B-but, Milord, that's absurd! Why would I follow around some—"

"Enough! If you press any further I have no qualms to sending you to the dungeon for two-hundred years. Be grateful your punishment was not more severe."

The noble bit his tongue, holding back a retort. "Yes, Milord. Thank you for your generosity." He bowed before sprinting out of the room.

Kaname returned to his windowsill, brushing chipped glass from the windowpane. He could feel a tightening in his chest and rested his head against the cool glass, clutching at his chest. His eyes flashed crimson again and a chunk of the wall disintegrated.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a metal tin. He shook a few blood tablets from the container before swallowing them.

The burning feeling in his throat did not lessen.

"Yuuki…" He murmured, mahogany eyes fluttering closed.


The brunette awoke in her bed, yawning. Stretching out her arms, she padded to her full-length mirror, frowning at the sight. She hadn't changed into her pajamas last night.

"That's funny… it's almost like my dream was real or something." She observed.

While her memories of the night before were somewhat hazy, she couldn't get the sight of a brunette man with mahogany eyes out of her head. Shaking away the thought, she went downstairs.

It did no good to dwell on dreams.


A/N: Well, here's the prologue! Sorry if it seemed a tad bit boring; I promise thing will get interesting in future chapters. Oh, and I just wanted to note that in this AU Kaname and Yuuki are not related so no worries ^^

Anyway, I'll see you guys in Ch.2!

-Isis