A/N: Hello everyone! I've finally done it! I've written a long chapter, yehey! This is all thanks to your supprt. I've been really encouraged by all your reviews, favs, alerts that when I've written this chapter, I just couldn't stop. Good thing my hands started to ache from all the typing I've done, or I'll never finish. ^^ Anyway, I'm not going to hold you up any longer. Enjoy!
"Zero-kun's really amazing, "Takuma said in wonder. "It's only been two weeks since he woke up and he's improved this much already."
"But it's two weeks he shouldn't have gone through." Kaname turned away from the window he has watched for hours now. Zero is with Dr. Makoto doing his daily exercise to help his brain remember how to move properly and later, if Dr. Makoto didn't change anything on Zero's schedule, Zero will be reading aloud a book about basic conversations. It's a one-way window so he isn't worried about being seen by Zero. I guess, one could say he's hiding from the hunter, no matter how cowardly that might seem especially to a pureblood.
"Kaname-sama—"
"Takuma," Kaname faced the noble. "It's my fault he's like this. You can't deny it."
Takuma bowed his head, knowing he can't convince the pureblood otherwise. Sometimes Kaname is just too stubborn. Luckily, he isn't above guilt-tripping his friend if it means getting him out of his sulking because as strange as it may be to associate sulking to the said pureblood, it is definitely what he is doing now. "Then, can't you just go see him for a while? He's been asking for you, you know..." Takuma glanced at Kaname, inwardly celebrating when he noticed the subtle tightening of the pureblood's jaw. Hah! Take that! Let's see if you can still stay stubborn after this. "He's been really sad when we gave him one excuse after another to explain your absence. In fact, I noticed he's been eating less than usual..." He paused for effect. "Although I assure you it's not something you should be concerned about! It's really just a minor set-back when he's been improving so much lately."
Kaname gritted his teeth. He knows what his friend is trying to do here and although the guilt tripping is a low blow, he can't be mad at Takuma. He knows the noble is just worried. And to resolve to such tactics knowing he can be punished, well, he can't really be mad now, can he? Still...To face Zero now is just a bit too much. Not after everything. Though, he wondered if he might feel the same way if Zero would act his usual ungrateful, disrespectful self instead of this meek, adoring child he is now. Because that is exactly how the hunter is now. Like that makes any sense at all! Oh, god! What had he done?!
Two weeks ago...
Rido was furious! Not only did the ex-human break free from his control, he had the gall to attack him again using the same vines he did during the previous battle earlier this evening. Like that did anything good! Using his speed, he pushed forwards and allowed Kaname's blast to hit him and send him backwards towards the trees. Better this than the vines. He was so close to the filthy D that it's impossible to dodge in time, although it annoys him to death to admit it even to himself. But then again, it's not like he hasn't done any damage. When he pushed forwards a while ago, he also made sure to extend his whips to make sure they hit before the damn blast would cut them off from his control. The ex-human will probably die before the end of this night. On the other hand, knowing his soft-hearted nephew, he is sure the fool would again offer his precious blood to the undeserving brat. How pathetic!
"This isn't over nephew!" Rido fumed, clutching his left hand or what's left of it as he stood up among the broken trees surrounding him. "And the next time, make sure you teach your pet another trick. He doesn't seem to get that his attacks don't work." With a last, hateful glare at the fallen hunter cradled in his nephew's arms, black mist surrounded him before he vanished all together.
'''-***-'''
Making sure his uncle is really gone; Kaname stretched his senses to the limit. When he didn't feel his uncle's presence anywhere, he allowed himself to relax and check the extent of Zero's injury, instantly worried when he saw the amount of blood still rushing out from the other's already alarmingly pale body. Without wasting any more time, he tore the remaining pieces of Zero's clothing from his body and leaned down, setting out on stopping the blood from flowing any more than it already has. He licked the hunter's hole-riddled chest gently, urging his saliva's healing ability to close the nasty wounds and ignoring the surprisingly delicious blood as best he could.
"Don't give up on me now, Zero." When Kaname has done everything he could towards the other's chest, he turned the limp body around so he could work on the other's back, grimacing at the holes that are also there as a result of Rido's whips. Carefully, he licked Zero's back, making sure that the wounds are fully closed before stopping and turning the boy around again.
Taking his damaged coat from himself, he wraps them around the shivering hunter. It's not much but it's better than nothing. He can't allow pneumonia to assault the hunter on top of his injuries that would just be deadly. Although vampires don't usually get sick, with how delicate Zero's condition is, and being an ex-human too, well, he can't be too careful. Satisfied with his work, he extended his claws and cut his wrist before dipping his finger in the blood that instantly welled up, barely wincing from the pain. Afterwards, he pushed his bloody finger inside Zero's lips, coaxing the other's vampire instincts to take over. "Come on, Zero. Don't be stubborn. You need this more than ever."
When Zero's fangs lengthened, Kaname once again gathered the hunter into his arms. Allowing the other to sit on his lap while he settled the other's head on his neck which he bared after making a small cut on it. "Here, Zero. Drink."
'''-***-'''
The nobles were confused. One minute they were fighting with hundreds of level Es, trying their best to protect their human schoolmates, the next minute the Es started running away, like they were being chased away by unknown hands. Maybe Kaname-sama defeated Rido? This idea was most likely since Rido is the one controlling the Es, however, they can't possibly let the Es go. That would be counter-productive from what they were trying to do. Looking at each other, they nodded their heads in acknowledgement and set off by pair after the Es.
Tracking the Es down and killing them were not a problem though. Without Rido's control, they were unorganized and fought each other, so a few minutes later, they were able to dispatch the remaining Es and return safely to the school. However, just as they were starting to relax, they smell Kaname-sama's blood in the air and without much thought, they all rushed to his side only to be stopped by his aura a few meters away from him.
"Stand back, all of you." Kaname-sama's voice was a relief for all of them. It tells them he is alright, however they don't understand why he's not letting them go to him. "I want all of you to go back to the dorm and group yourselves by pair. Two pairs will be patrolling the grounds starting this evening. Decide which one of you will do the first shift." Although still worried for their leader, an order is an order and they are compelled to follow so after agreeing and bowing in the general direction of the pureblood, they turned to follow his command. "Takuma, stay for a while."
"Of course, Kaname-sama." Looking at the others, Takuma motioned for them to go. When everyone was gone, Kaname's aura lessened in intensity, making Takuma know that the pureblood is allowing him to come closer. However he didn't expect to see Zero on Kaname's lap and obviously drinking his blood. "K-Kaname...?"
"I'll explain later, Takuma." Kaname sounded so tired that Takuma immediately quieted down. He is confused and very curious, but he knows Kaname will tell him everything when the time is right, and if he didn't, well, it isn't his right to question his leader. It was quiet for a few minutes, but then Zero shifted in Kaname's hold, obviously finished, which impressed Takuma since he isn't sure he could do the same if given the chance, all the more since he can see Zero is not really fully conscious. "Prepare the room next to mine and call a doctor. I've already closed Zero's wounds but I'm not sure of the extent of the damage Rido has done inside. Also, his mind was controlled by Rido for a while, so...you know what this means Takuma."
Oh yes. Takuma knows what this meant very well. With how ruthless Rido is, Zero is very lucky he is still alive. "As you wish, Kaname-sama." With that, Takuma turned to go but—
"He was able to break free from Rido's control without my help." Kaname stated with awe and Takuma can't blame him. Despite Rido's insanity, he is still a pureblood, one that is known for his ability to control minds. For Zero to break free, well, let's just say it takes a very strong will and mind to achieve such a feat. "He got hurt because he pushed me away. Of course, I'm not sure if it's because he wants to save me or if he just want me to get out of his way. Still, the result is the same." And with this, Takuma's respect for Zero increased ten-fold. It doesn't matter what reasons the hunter had for pushing the pureblood out of the way, he still saved his leader in the end. That, more than anything deserves his utmost respect and gratitude.
Turning back towards Kaname, Takuma glanced at Zero with a smile. "I'll make sure he will be comfortable and that he'll have the best doctor. In fact, if Kaname-sama isn't averse to me calling the Kuran family doctor, I would make sure he gets here before the night ends."
"I think that's a good idea." Kaname smiled. He was right to let Takuma stay. His friend would make sure Zero would be taken care of and he won't tell the others of this secret. Not without the pureblood's explicit approval. "Thank you, Takuma."
"It's my pleasure, Kaname-sama." Bowing one last time, Takuma left to do his bidding.
'''-***-'''
Kaname just entered the room Takuma has prepared for Zero when the said hunter launched himself to the surprised pureblood, clinging desperately like his life depends on it. "W-what?" Looking up at the people inside the room which consisted of his inner circle, Yuuki, the chairman, Yagari-sensei, and of course Dr. Makoto, the Kuran family doctor, he saw the same surprised look he has.
"K-Kan...Kannnn...mee..." Zero stuttered, drawing Kaname's attention to the clinging boy at his side, which from the looks of it, is about to collapse. Drawing the trembling boy in his arms, he quickly lifted him bridal-style and carried him back to the bed.
When Kaname placed him down and the hunter still refused to let go of him, he sighed and settled down with the boy on his lap. "Well? Can someone please explain to me what's going on?"
Dr. Makoto cleared his throat and Kaname's attention focused on him. "Kaname-sama, it seems that Kiryu-san lost his memories. Of course, this is not really surprising as you've told me his mind was controlled by your uncle. In fact, I'm surprised he even woke up in the first place. In most cases, when one's mind has experienced such stress, it tends to shut down, resulting in a coma."
Yagari snorted. "If you think a vampire can easily control Zero's mind, then you don't know shit about my student. He's stronger than he looks."
"That he is," agreed Dr. Makoto. "His mind must be so strong if he was able to escape basically unscathed from that ordeal. Of course, there is the problem with his memory and his motor and speech skills, but that's nothing compared to what the others go through in the same situation."
"But still, that doesn't explain why he seems to remember me." Kaname stated, unconsciously tightening his hold on the hunter who is still shaking from fear. "And we're not what you might refer to as...close."
Again Yagari snorted and Kaname's inner circle shuffled in their feet, trying hard not to laugh. Not close...What an understatement!
"I have a theory, and I'm giving emphasis on the word theory here, okay?" When everyone nodded, signifying that they understood, Dr. Makoto continued, "I think it has to do with Kaname-sama being the last person Kiryu-san saw before he lost consciousness, am I right?" Kaname inclined his head. "Okay, so I think that his brain retained his memory of you because when it was exposed to a lot of stress, you were the only one there he could focus on. The pain he felt must be great and in trying to lessen the pain, his mind focused on you."
"But, will he have his memory back?" Yuuki asked, speaking for the first time that night or dawn to be exact. "How about his ability to talk and move? He seems to be able to move a while ago, but he looks like he was in a lot of pain. I think it was only due to his fear that he was able to launch himself to onii-san. Will he able to recover?"
"I'm not sure if he'll ever recover his memories, Yuuki-sama," Dr. Makoto said sadly. "However, I'm sure that with physical therapy and speech lessons, Kiryu-san can talk and walk properly in no time."
Kaname stared at Zero who has fallen asleep during the explanation. How can you even sleep so peacefully in my arms after everything I've done? No matter, I'll protect you from now on, even when you regain your memory and hate me once again...I'll protect you, Zero.
Back to the present...
Kaname sighed. Really, Takuma can be manipulative when he wanted to be. But then again, he promised to protect Zero and hiding from him won't let him meet that goal. "I'll see him before he goes to bed later."
Takuma smiled. "Of course, Kaname-sama." Mission accomplished.
"Also, please gather everyone in the sitting room. I have something to tell you," Kaname said, staring at Takuma intensely. "It's about time I say a few things I've kept a secret for a long time. Please make sure Yuki is there too."
Seeing Kaname's serious expression, Takuma sobered up. Whatever Kaname is going to share to Yuki and to his inner circle, because Takuma understood when Kaname meant everyone- all nightclass students, and everyone- his inner circle, and this time Kaname meant the latter, it is surely going to change a lot of stuff. "Right away, Kaname-sama."
A/N: So yeah, Rido's alive. I can't possibly kill him so easily after all he's done to Zero-chan, right? That would just be so merciful, something he does not deserve. At all! Also, I hope this chapter wasn't so confusing, especially with the time jump and the changing of POV's. That would be really bad.
Oh yeah, don't you just love Takuma? Because I do! Writing him in this chapter was so fun! He's a very loyal friend to Kaname and he deserves a lot of love! ^^ Kaname and Zero's scenes were also very fun to write. I like to write sweet moments of the two of them, they deserve it, but I don't want them to lose themselves, too. So please tell me if they're becoming to OOC, okay?
Anyway, I'm sorry for another cliffhanger. It's just that I really have to cut this chapter short, or risk it being super long, but then again, you might not mind it, will you? ^^ Love you lots, guys! Mwahh!