Wow, you have no idea how happy I am. More than 180 followers and 160 favorites for one chapter. And so many nice reviews as well. Thank you all for your support.
Like I promised this chapter has a little over 3k words.
I have watched and read Vampire Knight a few years ago, so I'm not sure if I know all the facts. One of the things I don't know at all is when Kaname 'remembers' who he truly is. If some of you know it then please tell me.
If you have any questions, you are welcome to inform me of them in a review or a PM.
Summary: As Reika slowly started to understand her new life, she came to the conclusion that fairness did not exist in this world and that blood was the only thing that mattered. [SI, Self-Insert/OC-Insert as Kuran Rido's daughter]
Enjoy.
To Rule The World
Chapter 2
Starring Role
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Where She Met A Wolf In A Sheep's Clothing
"Never did the world make a queen of a girl who hides in houses and dreams without traveling."
― Roman Payne, The Wanderess
"Death is so terribly final, while life is full of possibilities."
― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones
This was how it all started, with the first meeting of their eyes.
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Kuran Kaname's eyes had the color of cognac mixed with just the fewest droplets of blood. They gleamed in the dim entranceway and met her own gaze with an all-knowing look. The sheer age those orbs managed to convey froze Reika momentarily in place and made her wonder how much they could actually see.
Had the young girl not known better, then she might have actually thought that he could discern the truth that laid beneath her innocent facade. That he had already figured out that she wasn't truly one of his descendants, just a soul that had stolen a child's body.
Looking into them made her feel as if she was starring into an endless abyss. They were dark and cold and even though she wanted to, Reika could not tear her gaze away from his. She felt trapped by the intensity of those dark pools and could do nothing but stare into them. And wasn't that frightening? A glance from him could trap her in place and change her into a defenseless little girl.
Fear and helplessness coursed through her veins and her instincts shouted at her to run. Was this how a zebra felt while facing a pride of lions?
Her fists clenched tighter, nails almost breaking her soft skin. A primal part of her made sure that it did not happen. There was no need for her to lure the monster with the smell of her pure blood.
At that very moment Reika realized one important fact. Kuran Kaname was the embodiment of the apex predator.
Beautiful. Frightening. Deadly.
She had once thought that no one could ever frighten her as much as Rido did, but standing before that small boy made her aware of how wrong she had actually been. Rido's madness could not compare to Kuran Kaname's ancient presence. Feeling how it was trying to suffocate her made Reika question how anyone could stand to be near him. Perhaps he could reign that power inside his body, make it seem as if it did not exist, and yet the girl could not fathom how anyone could not feel it.
That breath-stealing, fear-inducing and aged power.
If there was some secret technique to block it from ones senses, she really hoped that someone would teach her soon. Otherwise, Reika could not bear the thought of spending too much time in her elder's presence.
Her shoulders hunched slightly as she felt his ancient aura weighting down on them and startling verity crossed her mind. Reika could not even begin to comprehend the ancient and timeless being that stood before her.
A wolf in a sheep's clothing. A monster dressed in the skin of a child.
One of the first members of her kind. An ancient vampire.
An Ancestor.
How horrible it must have truly been to live for so long? Alone, without a companion to stay by his side. Haunted by a hunger that she had known for a sparse few years. Ripped awake from the freeing sleep he choose to endeavor and forced into a world so different from the one he had known.
Reika pondered how much Kaname must have actually hated her father and in extension maybe even her.
Her clammy palms forced her attention back to the present situation and she wiped them off on her gray silky dress. Biting her lower lip softly, Reika felt uncomfortably trapped. Her mind once again wandered to the fact that would he have wanted to, Kuran Kaname could have killed her without having to worry about any resistance. She could hardly breathe, let alone protect herself.
A childish, hysterical thought crossed her mind. Maybe he would not see her if she didn't move?
Completely still, Reika watched as the ancestor tilted his head to the right. Though she knew that his memories had been supposedly sealed when he became an infant, Reika never even considered the notion that perhaps the boy before her could not remember who he truly was. The possibility alone terrified her and she did not want to even consider the consequences of it being reality.
If his power felt like this in a sealed state, then how massive and fearsome would it be when he finally regained all of it?
Considering that she could hardly stand next to him at this very moment, Reika preferred to think that she was already facing her ancestor and not a mere shadow of him.
It was then that she felt something warm stroke her bare arms. The feeling was similar to very light electric shocks, tickling the exposed parts of her skin. Whatever was touching her did not have a texture, neither could it be seen or smelled. A sixth sort of sense she had acquired in this new life alerted her to whatever it was and allowed her to feel it.
A presence that touched her without possessing a body or will of its own. Having already faced something similar in her father's presence, though infinitely weaker, it did not take her long to figure out the truth.
Startled, Reika realized that for the whole time since he had entered the Shiki mansion Kuran Kaname had been probing her, challenging her, testing her and perhaps even finding her to be lacking.
Something primal and ugly reared its head inside of her.
Reika may not have been more powerful than him, but that did not make her inferior.
(You are a pureblood, Reika-sama,...)
She was aware of the fact that she could not defy him, nor try to instigate a fight in public, but that did not mean that she would lower herself to something less than she actually was.
(...and as a pureblood you stand above us all.)
For all the world knew, they were both of the same standing. The reason for why she had to show him any kind of respect was only that he had been 'born' a few years before her. Kuran Kaname was older than her—most did not know how much older he actually was—and now that her father was supposedly dead and his 'parents' killed, that made him into the 'patriarch' of the Kuran family. But that did not mean that she had to bow to him.
A part of her knew that this was an attitude that would probably get her into real trouble in the future. However, Reika did not have one humble bone in her body, not after spending five years in this new world where she was treated like some divine being, and she could not just stand there and let someone look down upon her.
Hesitating just for a second, Reika pushed against the probing sensation and immediately felt how the ancient power fought back. Perspiration gathered on her temple and she panted slightly in exertion. Never before had Reika felt so weak and though her shoulders trembled in fear and the strain she was beginning to feel, the girl met the gaze of her ancestor and narrowed her eyes minutely.
To him the pureblood princess most likely looked like a wounded animal and there was no denying the fact that she also felt like one.
''Reika-sama?'' Chinatsu, the headmaid that moved a few steps towards her during the staring contest between the two purebloods, questioned with a trembling voice. Whether it was trembling due to worry or her own fear Reika could only guess. ''This is...'' The maid pointed at the young looking boy. ''...your cousin, Kuran Kaname.''
Slowly, the pressure was lifted off her shoulders and a deep intake of air raised her chest. Trembling hands tucked a strand of mahogany colored hair behind her right ear and a pinkish tongue darted out to wet her dry lips. Knowing that the servant was waiting for some kind of reassurance, Reika forced her head to move almost imperceptibly.
''Kaname-sama.'' The low-ranked vampire continued. ''This is Reika-sama, Rido-sama's daughter.''
Reika cringed and wished that she could just turn around and leave. Unfortunately, there was no such a choice and Reika, as the only pureblood inhabiting the house, had to be the one to welcome the other Kuran. The only choice she had left was how exactly she would do it.
Right then every single action she choose to make would have an impact on the future relationship she would have with her ancestor. Reika could not, would not fall to her knees for anyone, however, that did not mean that she could challenge Kaname.
Respectful, that was how she had to appear, yet she could not lower herself to the position of a servant or anyone of a similar standing. Kaname had to see her as an equal or at least something close to it.
There was also the point that she had to appear as harmless as possible. Her becoming a threat to him was something Kaname would most likely never have to fear, but he could end up seeing her as a threat to Yuki and that would mean her death.
Yuki...considering her family's incestual tendencies the chances were very high that she looked a lot like the youngest Kuran. After all, there were noticeable similarities between herself and Kaname, so her previous conclusion couldn't be too farfetched.
Kaname's 'sister' was his only true weakness and it was also a weakness Reika herself could exploit. Reminding him of her, being similar to her, might actually end up softening his attitude towards herself.
Though not common, it wasn't rare for a person to address their older cousin with a familiar honorific.
Deciding to go with this hopefully best course of action, Reika tilted her head slightly to the right and allowed a soft smile to crawl onto her lips. She grasped the front of her dress with her clammy hands and fiddled with it in a shy manner. ''Welcome to the Shiki mansion, Kaname-onii-sama.''
''Thank you for having me.'' His voice was as sweet as honey and surprised Reika with its childishness. For a moment his smile fooled her into believing that he truly was a child.
Looking away from his face for just a second, enough to remind herself of whom the boy before her was, Reika performed a perfect fifteen degrees bow. ''It's an honor to have you here.''
Pleasantries were a tedious necessity.
''The honor is all mine,'' He bowed back and she thought that maybe it was not as deep as her own had been, but Reika couldn't be sure. ''Though I have to admit that I had not expected my visit to start this way.''
''I hope we have not disappointed you, Kaname-onii-sama.'' Another sweet and shy smile was send his way.
The other pureblood shook his head. ''Of course not.''
He said nothing else and silence surrounded them. Reika focused on her heightened senses, especially her hearing, to check on what her brother was doing. A sight of relief almost managed to escape her lips when she found him sleeping inside his room. It was better if Senri did not meet Kaname until she knew that the other pureblood did not present any threat to him.
Senri's safety meant a lot to the pureblood princess and protecting him from as much harm as she could was an important part of her new existence. The girl had failed her brother already once, she did not want to do so again.
After making sure that he was safe for a second time, Reika turned her head to Chinatsu. ''Prepare some tea for us. In the meantime we shall make our way to the dinning room.''
Chinatsu hesitated for a second, her gaze moving to Kaname. At the end, she did not dare to defy her mistress. ''Hai, Reika-sama.'' Looking back only once, the servant scurried away.
They both watched her go in quietude and after Chinatsu disappeared from sight Reika angled her body in the dinning room's direction. ''The dinning room is this way.''
Leading the way, Reika walked forward and stayed unusually quiet. She wasn't a talkative person, but she generally disliked complete silence, thus she often filled it with meaningless talking. Rarely did she feel comfortable enough in another person's presence to stay completely quiet. The servants and people of lower status were the only exceptions because of their lower social standing and the power Reika knew she had over them.
They walked along an empty corridor, passing countless paintings of the Shiki family's ancestors. Their moderate footsteps echoed silently through the mansion and alerted everyone to the other Kuran's arrival.
Unsurprisingly, a servant was already waiting for them at the entrance of the dinning room. An old butler opened the door for them and gestured inside with his right hand. ''Tea and some refreshments will arrive soon, Reika-sama.''
She nodded her head in acknowledgement and stepped inside the room.
A maid, Yume or something similar, was waiting for her at the head of the table and pushed the chair slightly backwards, preparing it for Reika to sit down. The butler did the same for Kaname with the chair opposite of hers. Both purebloods sat down on their respective seats, their posture as perfect as expected of someone of their standing.
Reika cleared her throat. ''Please excuse Takehiko-san's absence. Had he been aware of your impending visit, then he certainly would have been here.''
''It's quite alright. I should have informed you of my intentions.'' Being so charming at such a 'young' age should not have been possible. Whether it was the natural charm of a pureblood or a mask Kaname had put upon his face Reika did not know, however, she found herself almost forgetting who he truly was.
To an outsider their conversation must have looked quite comical. Two children conversing like adults. Their young age and innocence hiding the danger that laid beneath their skin and the intentions that secretly gleamed in their eyes.
''It's fine.'' Below the table Reika grabbed the hem of her dress and gazed at the elder vampire from under her eyelashes. ''Like this I get to know Kaname-onii-sama.''
''Meeting ones family is always a pleasure.'' His head moved slightly to the left and Reika immediately noticed what had caught his attention. Swiftly, Chinatsu was moving in their direction, the tinkering of porcelain loud enough to be heard through the closed doors. Or perhaps it was their supernatural hearing that allowed them to hear everything that was happening in the house.
Despite her hurried pace the maid remembered to knock on the door before she entered. Chinatsu's vampiric heritage made her entrance almost perfect and enabled her to serve the tea and some refreshments flawlessly.
Green tea and two plates with fruit tarts and delicious looking cookies. A set was put in front of each pureblood after the head maid bowed in greeting. ''If there is anything else you should need, just call for me, Reika-sama.'' Her gaze once again wandered towards the other pureblood, the lower ranking vampire's eyes never met the ancestor's unusual orbs.
For a second Reika's smile turned genuine. ''Thank you. You may leave now, Chinatsu.'' Her attention was back to Kaname before the servants footsteps left the room. ''I hope you like green tea, it's currently my favorite. Although my taste in tea does change every few weeks.''
''I do enjoy green tea.'' He took a sip of the fluid. ''Sadly, I do not have much time on my hands today and there are quite a few urgent matters to talk about, so I won't be able to fully enjoy it. Most of those matters concern Takehiko-san, though some involve you as well.''
''Some?'' Cutely, she tilted her head to the side.
Momentarily, Kaname's eyes flashed a fiery crimson and they looked so tired, so world-weary and utterly inhuman that Reika instantly knew they would see through whatever lie she would tell him during their conversation. He might not have known who she truly was, but he knew that she wasn't as innocent as she pretended to be. ''As his daughter you are certainly aware of what your father has done, are you, Reika?''
Just as she had been taught to, the young pureblood princess controlled her facial expressions. It was one of the most important abilities she was taught. Purebloods were seen by most as some kind of divine beings and worshiped like ones as well. The problem was that each vampire had a more primal and dangerous side hidden behind a humanity that only level E did not possess. That side, no matter how large or small it was, would always be there, slumbering beneath their polite masks.
They might have worshiped her like a goddess, but that did not change the fact that should Reika show any signs weakness, they would use them and devour her the moment they could. The power a pureblood's blood could grant was too alluring for them to even think about helping should she be weakened.
Face blank besides the polite smile that graced her lips, Reika said: ''I'm not sure.''
Not a complete lie. Reika did not know about all the atrocious acts her father had committed.
''I see.'' He mirrored her expression. ''I came to make sure that you know where your allegiance should lie. Nothing more, nothing less.''
Reika took a bite from a strawberry tart. The sweet taste of vanilla filled her mouth, quickly followed by the slightly sour strawberry. Chewing deliberately, she thought about how she should answer.
Putting the tart back onto the plate, Reika raised her gaze. ''My loyalty lies with my family. Considering that there is only three of us left, you, my brother and me, I'm sure you know what it means, my dearest cousin.''
He did not need to know that she was aware of Rido's survival.
''Yes, family should always come above all else, Reika.'' His right hand pushed a stray lock of hair from his face. ''We will have to continue this conversation the next time I come. But as I've said, family comes above all else and as such I'm sure we will both be spending a lot of more time with each other soon.''
A rare darkness shrouded his eyes for a second and Reika almost shuddered. She knew that whatever her ancestor was planning, it would mean nothing good for her.
She could only hope to not die again.