Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Knight.

Chapter two

Zwischenzug

Who knew his nephew could be so amusing to tease?

Ichijou stood alone leaning on the northern balcony railing gazing on the moon and stars. For the past three months he had distanced himself away from his friends and from Kaname. Ichijou didn't want to but he felt like he had no choice. His grandfather had questioned him on all aspects of Kaname's life and he had tried to answer as well as he could without giving anything important away but still being detailed enough that his grandfather would let him remain at the school. Ichijou ran a hand through his hair at this complicated situation that will only be more difficult to handle. If only he knew what Kaname wanted, but he couldn't just ask the pureblood to reveal his plans; even if he did Kaname probably wouldn't tell him.

A glint of silver caught Ichijou's eyes and he watched Zero strode past the northern side of the building disappearing into the trees. At least someone knew what they should do, Ichijou thought although he didn't envy Zero's job at all. Feeling unsettled for the millionth time Ichijou thought it best that he returned to the dorms to check on everyone. It really has been to long since he spent any time with them and he really missed that.

The common room was bathing in candle light, and his friends were occupying the lounge area next to floor-length windows that allowed them to see the garden outside. Hanabusa Aido was in his usual bored mindset as he played with a glass of tablet drink. The fact that he wasn't babbling about his inventions or fighting with Ruka made Ichijou worry, but he brushed that aside for now. Kain sat next to Aido silently. Rima fed Shiki a poky. Ichijou froze for a second at the sight. I can't seem to get away can I?

"Hello everyone, did you all settle in alright?"

Shiki looked up and his eyes flashed with mischief before he returned to look bored and tired.

"So you finally showed yourself."

"Aido!"

"What! He hasn't said a word to us for the past three months."

"But still…"

"Guys settle down, there is no need to fight. Would it make you feel better if I start to write you letters every week, Aido?" Ichijou joked.

It was part reflex nowadays as Aido always made himself such an amusing target to tease but also because Ichijou suddenly had this anxiousness settled in his chest that made him want to protect himself. It felt important not to let Shiki know how much he cared about his friends, but then Shiki should have already known. But something about this Shiki made it seem like he almost didn't know any of them and it unsettled Ichijou.

"Wha'! Don't be stupid!"

"Are you sure because you're blushing like a day class girl Aido" Ruka cut in.

"'I'm NOT!"

"Then what's that on your cheek? Rouge?"

"Do you have a death wish Ruka!?"

"Aido"

Kain's stern voice cut his cousin's rant off. Aido glowered but sat down silently brewing in anger. Ruka flipped her hair and sat a bit straighter in her chair.

"He he, well then it seems everyone is fine."

Ichijou went back up the stairs feeling a bit more like a failure than before. It seemed that no matter what he did, he couldn't protect those close to him. On his way back to his room Ichijou cast a long look at Kaname's door.

"Zero! Zero!"

Yuuki had looked everywhere but she still couldn't find him. She had checked all his usual slacking-off places, the stables, the tree area close to the Moon Dormitory and the square fountain area. She had half a mind to give up but the chairman had said it was important. I guess he'll show up when he shows up. Yuuki made her way back to the headmaster's building so she could shower and get ready for bed.

It was late and the house was dark. Yuuki closed the front door and made her way to the bathroom. Moonlight shone in from the various windows along the corridor. This house always looked a bit creepy to Yuuki whenever it was dark, silent and huge like now. But there really were nothing to be afraid off. She had Artemis, her trusted weapon, if any happened after all. Yuuki stepped through the doorway past the couch she used to rest on while waiting for the bathroom to be free and stepped into the bathroom. Once she finished everything Yuuki walked towards her room that lied on the third floor to the right of the staircase. But something stopped her from entering her room. Yuuki glanced towards the other end of the corridor where Zero's room used to be before he started high school. Something called to her from there but he was at the boy's dorm wasn't he? Making up her mind to investigate Yuuki silently crossed the short distance and stopped when her hand rested on the door handle.

Yes, someone was definitely on the other side of the door, she could feel it. Yuuki tried to listen to what was happening through the door but it was very quiet, almost as if the person inside is holding its breath too. What should I do? Will she be fast enough to catch whatever was on the other side? Was she strong enough to fight it if it came to that? What if it was Zero, it would be bad if she just barged in like that. Maybe she had already hesitated too long. At that thought Yuuki swung the door open and stared at the empty barren room. There was a window in the wall opposite her. A neat bed stood to her left side, a desk on her right. But as Yuuki walked closer she saw that the window wasn't properly closed and upon further investigation the floor was wet. Yes, she could clearly see the reflection of wet shoe prints on the floor in the moonlight. Yuuki leaned out from the window and gazed into the night but whoever was in here was long gone.

.

That was close. He should have just gone to the stables after all. But Zero knew Yuuki would be looking for him there. He was hidden in the shadows beneath the window so he knew Yuuki almost caught him. She worries too much. Zero held in a sigh at that thought and silently made his way into the woods nearby. Now that she has gone to bed maybe he could take a little walk. He wasn't going to get any sleep tonight after all. Not like this. Zero barely held in a groan of pain as his hand clutched his throat tighter.

The monster inside his chest shook the bars around it demanding to be let out. His throat was dry like parchment and his stomach was churning. The pale moonlight slipped through some leaves and lit up a path of grass here and a small bush there. Zero stumbled around in the general direction of the fountain thinking maybe some cold water could cool him down. He felt like his skin was going to burn up from the heat his body emitted. His clothes were sticking to his body. He slammed into a tree trunk as a particularly strong wave of bloodlust assaulted him. He breathed deeper, sucking in the fresh night air with a calming sent of leaves and wood but there was also the scent of the day class students.

Can't stay here. Zero pushed himself up and moved again. It felt good to do something so he didn't focus on his thirst. Thirst. Zero's legs buckled as another wave of pain made his body convulse. Left, right, left, right, that's it, focus on the steps. He drew a shaky breath of air down to his lungs, but it wasn't enough. He was choking, suffocating… Zero half leaned, half fell into the fountain. His stomach took a blow but he barely felt it. The next breath brought water into his lungs making him choked. He used all his energy to push himself up. His face broke the water surface. He tried to expel the water in his lungs at the same time as he tried to force air down them. How pathetic. Zero slumped down onto the ground and relaxed. The bloodlust was finally subsiding and he could gradually think more clearly.

His hand moved on its own to grasp his Bloody Rose gun. The metal was familiar and cold just like he remembered. It was an elegant gun with a beautiful inscription of a rose on the right side. His fingers found their proper place around it. One finger lingered on the trigger. He knew exactly how it would feel to lift the gun up, how to grasp it steadily in his hand and he could recall exactly how a bloody rose would form in the air once he pulled the trigger. He even knew the pain it would cause, a sting like electricity would course through his body that make him feel alive at the brink of death.

Now that the bloodlust had subsided, Zero felt the night chill him especially since his clothes were wet. But he felt too tired to care, too tired to move much. But he should get up. It really was foolish to lie here exposed under the moon with vampires roaming around the school ground. Zero took a deep breath as his body relaxed further. The sound of water sloshing around the fountain calmed him. His thoughts cleared as Zero allowed him to think back to the conversation he had with the chairman earlier this evening. There was nothing he could do really, but the chairman was kind to ask for his opinion.

The sound of steps broke his thoughts and Zero lifted his head towards the direction of the sound. But he could only see a pair of legs in white slacks and black polished shoes.

"What are you doing here Kuran?"

"Just taking a walk, enjoying the night"

Zero tried with all his might to get up but he couldn't.

"It's useless to struggle"

"Let me go!"

"You are in no position to be demanding anything."

"Let. me. go!"

"Stubborn as usual"

Zero growled deep in his throat as he continued to struggle against Kaname's will that held him down. Zero could only watch helplessly as Kuran took his gun away.

"It's just for precaution"

Yours or mine?

Zero eyes followed Kuran's movements like a hawk even though he was helpless like a baby lying here before the deadliest predator in the entire world.

"This is not for you…"

Zero's eyes narrowed.

"It's for Yuuki's safety."

Zero's eyes hardened even more as he realized what Kuran was going to do and a warning growl sounded in his throat. His lips pressed together much to Kuran's displeasure.

"Most vampires would just jump to the chance"

Zero only growled in reply as his heart raced faster to his great displeasure. Zero could feel dread settle in his stomach as his fangs fought to come out but he pushed them back stubbornly. His eyes flashed between purple and red as he fought his bloodlust and anticipation although Zero would never admit to it but Kuran's blood smelled divine.

Zero froze as he watched Kuran bring his wrist to his mouth. He saw the way Kuran's fangs glinted in the moonlight before they sunk into his flesh smoothly, almost silently. The scent of blood assaulted the air around him and Zero stopped breathing for a while, but that was a bad idea. Once he ran out of air Zero had to take a deep breath and his control snapped as he tasted the bloody scent in the air. As Kuran had anticipated Zero's fang busted through his gum almost viciously drawing his own blood. Zero gave a small cough as his deep breath drew some blood down to his lungs. Kuran pressed his wrist against Zero's mouth but the stubborn prefect just wouldn't drink. Kuran knew some blood dropped down into his mouth because Zero's eyes had turned a glowing crimson. However he didn't have all night for the prefect to make up his mind. Already the night class must become aware of his blood scent in the air. Kuran's own eyes narrowed.

"Kaname-sama"

The wind brought the sound of Aido's freaked voice and Kaname's enhanced hearing could pick up footsteps rushing towards them.

"Stop!"

"Ichijou-san, step aside"

"I can't"

"Step aside now or so help me…"

A cling of metal indicated a weapon being unsheated. Kaname refocused on the stubborn boy beneath him.

"Why won't you drink?"

Kaname had removed his wrist from Zero's mouth. He watched the blood smeared around Zero's lips but the boy didn't lick it.

"I am not like you"

"I need you to protect Yuuki"

"I won't do that for you"

That was as good a promise as he was going to get. Kaname stood up and Zero looked away as he tried to fight his bloodlust. Damn you, I had it taken care of you bastard! Zero let out a breath as Kaname disappeared. Zero reluctantly brought a hand to wipe the blood away. He stared at the crimson drops that covered his fingers for what seemed like an eternity as he fought the urge to lick. But finally he washed his hands and face in the water and straightened up. I must look like a corpse warmed up. Zero walked back to the Sun Dorm.

Who knew that separating these two would be such an amusing task? Shiki stood behind Ruka, Kain and Aido, besides Rima as they all watched Takuma blocking their way. The scent of Kaname's blood in the air has already lessened.

"I am sure everything is fine"

Aido and Ruka both growled at Ichijou.

"Why won't you let us pass?"

"It may not be wise to interfere with Kaname's plans"

"What do you know of that?"

"That is only for Kaname to know."

Aido and Ruka reluctantly accepted Ichijou's silent command but Shiki wouldn't have that.

"Whoever managed to spill Kaname-sama's blood must be strong."

That was enough to push Aido and Ruka over and they both took a step forward.

"Kaname is capable of taking care of himself." Ichijou countered.

"But as his loyal followers it is our duty to protect him." Aido said.

"What makes you think he needs protection?"

"Why are you trying to stop us?" Ruka asked.

"We are all Kaname's friends we shouldn't fight amongst ourselves."

Ice rose quickly across the pathway and wrapped itself around Ichijou. Aido was growling deeply in his chest as ice spires grew from his hand. The wind around them picked up and chilled the air around them so more ice formed over the gravel. The ice around Ichijou exploded causing Aido to take a step back. Rima landed next to Ichijou with electricity gliding over her hands as a final warning to Aido and Ruka. Shiki stood by as a speculator. The tension was strong. Both sides were reluctant to fight the other but this was a matter that neither could let go of. All six nobles were part of Kaname's inner circle and as such cared deeply for him.

The wind howled around them as it intensified the tension that seemed to almost suffocate the vampires there. Ice grew from Aido's hands but it only circled around Ichijou and Rima not touching them. Rima's hand extended also as a sign that she could let the electricity travel over the ice to Aido. Kain stood tense by Ruka's side as he looked between them. Ichijou straightened up and smoothly sheeted his sword with a smile.

"Wow, everyone is really in top shape tonight. I am sure Kaname will be pleased to see you all so strong." He said cheerfully.

Aido, Ruka and Kain relaxed. The ice disappeared. The wind returned to its natural state. Ichijou's ears picked up the sound of earth cracking…

"Rima!"

Ichijou pushed her aside as a tendril pierced his chest. Blood splattered on the gravel as Ichijou collapsed.

"Ichijou!"

"I'm… fine"

The earlier tension was completely forgotten as the nobles surrounded Ichijou. Aido and Rima supported Ichijou as he clutched his chest. Kain and Ruka had also knelt by them and looked around for a threat.

"Let's go back to the dorm everyone"

The four vampires backed off as Ichijou straightened up and started to walk back to the Moon Dormitory. He held himself upright in a graceful posture and walked with sure steps. The only disturbing thing was that the wet spot across his chest grew larger with each step he took but Ichijou was sure that he could get back to his room without having to face them again. But as much as he wished to, Ichijou couldn't fool his friends as the scent of his blood grew stronger in the air. The four vampires following him back grew more and more concerned. Rima also looked around for Shiki, who has disappeared, discreetly. Although her face didn't show anything, Rima was really worried about her fellow model.

"Ichijou"

Aido had just closed the front door to the dormitory when they heard Kaname's soft voice. All of them turned to the staircase where Kuran stood casually dressed in designer pants and a black shirt with the Kuran rose embroidered across his left shoulder.

"Kaname-sama" They all spoke with revered respect to their leader.

"I wish to speak to you."

Ichijou nodded and followed Kaname slowly up the stairs to the president's room. He closed the door silently at the same time he used the door to keep himself upright. Ichijou felt tired as he met Kaname's asserting gaze. He knew what Kaname wanted to know so there was no need for questions. Kaname didn't seem to want to drag it out as he could see how weary Ichijou looked. But Ichijou didn't want to seem cold and calculating in the way he gave his answer. He wanted Kaname to know that he had his support no matter what and that Ichijou understood how delicate this situation was for him. He nodded to the unspoken question confirming Kaname's suspicion.

Kaname turned around to stare out the window which Ichijou took as a silent gesture that he was dismissed. He walked back to his room thinking of taking some tablets and a quick shower before bed. Once his wounds had been tended to Ichijou lied down under the covers and tucked an arm under his head. The soft pillow and mattress supported his back and made his muscles relax. His other hand rested on a manga book he had forgotten on the bed from last night's reading session. Then he realized he was alone in here. Ichijou's head turned to stare at the empty bed across the room. Shiki…

Kaname was annoyed. He wasn't used to being thwarted in his plans and Shiki's sudden involvement made it difficult for Kaname to do anything without giving something away. He already hated the fact that Shiki has learned a lot from Ichijou. He didn't need any more weaknesses be exposed to the vampire world. Yuuki was one very big weakness that he wished to protect but his knight of choice surely didn't make it easy. For once couldn't Kiryu just play along for the sake of a greater good, even if he didn't know it? Kaname snorted in his mind. That would be the day hell froze over and vampires became friends with hunters. And even then he still couldn't be sure…