Another chapter. I'm pretty excited about this story, and I don't know why. Guess coz it's about a subject I'm very interested in. Thanks to those who reviewed. I love you all.

And another announcement. It may take me a day more before I can update Lasting Accidents because Chapter 22 is VERY long! I haven't even finished it yet and I'm sick. I have fever. Pity me and bear with me.

And here's another chapter for my Vampire Fic. As for the names, you won't be puzzled with them, I promise.

Bloody Banquet.

Chapter 3

The Black Sheep

"If you were given more time, would you choose this?"

"Yes I would."

"And why is that?"

"For the vengeance of my brethren."

"Do you feel that you are ready?"

"I am readier than ever."

"Do you know who you are going against?"

"Yes. The Aizen clan."

"And why do you do this?"

"In the service of my family."

"Is this a service you would willingly take?"

"I have taken this a long time ago."

"Eh? Since when?"

"Since I was born to this family."

"Do you know why you were born to this family?"

"I was born to be the supreme – since the beginning of time."

"Then why aren't you supreme now?"

"Because someone has taken my right away from me."

"Who?"

"The man who sits on the throne of blood – the supreme vampire."

"Do you think you can finish this?"

"As the chosen one, yes."

"The prophecy."

"The prophecy."

"I shall show you the nightmares."

"I shall bring life to those nightmares."

"Together."

"Together."

"We shall put an end to the Aizen clan."


"Has the Kuchiki heir arrived?" Ishida asked Rima.

"Not yet, Adze-sama," Rima replied automatically.

Ishida stared at Ichigo, who was holding a wine glass, filled to the brim with fresh blood. He sighed. How could he remain so unusually calm at times like this?

"Because I still don't know what to expect, Ishida-kun," Ichigo replied coolly.

"My deepest apologies, Ichigo-sama," Ishida said. Aizen Ichigo could read minds, especially of vampires.

"Even I am not ultimate," Ichigo said, looking out the huge window of the dorm room. "The sky has a wonderful color. I always loved sunsets. They remind me of blood and our existence."

The five pureblood looked out the window, gazing in the direction of their superior's perspective. The sky was a fine mixture of crimson and orange as the sun dipped down low behind the murky depths of the Azulith lake. It was beautiful and somewhat reassuring.

"A new night has begun," Ichigo proclaimed, standing up.

Footsteps echoed the halls. Laughter ensued. The grand hall of the Azulith Academy was at its finest. Noble sons and daughters of prestigious vampire families adorned the carpeted floor, eagerly talking towards one another as their parents looked on. The Azulith Academy school year opening was somewhat a gathering for all vampires, because the members of the Lilith would be attending.

And this time, they would be complete.

Hushed silence enveloped the room as a Netopyr waiter tapped a staff – announcing the arrival of the purebloods.

"The Tunda clan," the Netopyr announced.

Tunda Ichimaru came in, his grin ever-present. He had the palest of all skins and his crimson eyes were hidden behind that crinkled smile. He bore the trademark of having an insatiable thirst because of his eyes, but he often denied the fact. Vampires' eyes turn red when they're hungry or using their powers. Ichimaru's eyes were always red – a symbol of violence for many. He had silvery hair that hung about his face. He was a handsome man in a white tux, and he walked with a bit of looseness. Alongside him was his wife, Tunda Rangiku, a very beautiful woman with a figure that spoke volumes, she wore a stylish purple gown that revealed much of her bountiful assets. Her long, auburn hair flitted around her back graciously. She smiled a seductive smile that made the male vampires present melt. Next to her was Tunda Ichiro, a young boy with the same hair color as his father and wearing an adorably interested expression. Behind them was Tunda Hinamori, heiress of the family, wearing a black cocktail dress with her hair loose in one of the rare occasions she did so. She wore a reserved expression as she walked with her family.

"The Knight clan."

Knight Shuuhei came in first. He wore a dark robe with crimson linings. His unruly, jet black hair didn't go amiss, along with his infamous tattoo with the number 69, suggesting that he was the 69th head of the Knight family. This huge number indicated that Knight Clan heads perished young due to some of the very little and very mysterious ways of killing a pureblood vampire. Shuuhei was the one who lasted the longest. After him came in Knight Shaorin, her shoulder-length red hair elegantly twisted in a French knot behind her head. She was a fairly small woman and looked delicate with her ever-soft smile and melting hazel eyes. Behind her was Knight Yachiru, youngest of the Knight siblings, cheerfully bobbing with her mother in her unusual bubblegum pink hair. She was often considered as Lilith's Bane since she was such a troublesome child, often using her powers in her pranks. No one dared to complain though. They wouldn't want to cross a pureblood. She was followed by Knight Risa and Knight Hyuuga, who were fraternal twins. They had the same black hair and hazel eyes as their mother. Last came Knight Renji, the heir of the Knight Clan, his mouth turned down in boredom.

"The Highgate clan."

Highgate Ryuuken walked in, his expression foreboding. His onyx eyes were cold and calculating, earning him the title as Lilith's Ice King. A precariously handsome man with silver hair and a ruthless reputation, he was feared by many as unforgiving and merciless. Behind him was Highgate Retsu, a gentle-looking woman with midnight-blue eyes and a soft expression. She was the opposite of her husband in many ways. Their family disguised themselves as the most famous and amazing doctors in existence and the only Clan to have mastered the resistance of bloodlust. They were revered as the research institute of the vampire community. That's why Ryuuken felt a right to brag. Following them was their only child and son, Highgate Toushirou, who inherited the title Ice Prince because he was as moody and proud as his father.

"The Adze clan."

Adze Sajin marched in, smiling widely and waving. Sajin was a cheerful man and a notable charitable folk. He had brown hair streaked with white, his face smart and handsome with assessing dark blue eyes. He was carefully straightening his midnight-blue robe as he enjoyably took in the scene before him. Holding his arm was his wife, Adze Isane, her silver hair cropped short but still looked as lovely as ever. Her red lips were twisted in that mysterious smile of hers as she walked in her full-length, crimson gown. Walking behind her was Adze Kira, a young boy who seemed to be very shy and sensitive, his light blonde hair hiding his usually downcast face. Adze Yuzu followed her brother. She was blooming quickly to a very beautiful young lady with a reputation of being flirtatious. She smiled as she whipped her dust-brown hair behind her as the young men sighed at the sight of her. Following behind with an annoyed look at his sister was Adze Ishida, heir of the Adze family, huffing his dark hair out of his eyes.

"The Xiao-Yu clan."

Xiao-Yu Shin came in, a set of turquoise Chinese robes billowing after his tall figure. He was wearing his monocle over his stormy-gray eyes. His finely-chiseled face was set in a concentrating manner, as though he was thinking of something else. Behind him was Xiao-Yu Soi Fong, his wife. She wore golden Chinese robes, her hair artfully twisted up in buns and braids. She was dubbed as Lilith's Mad Butterfly because of her dangerous skill and interest in poison. She was an anti-social, which was why few people approached her. It was in these occasions that she rarely showed up. But now, surprisingly, she did. Tugging at her arm was Xiao-Yu Mei Lin, a little girl with beautiful eyes like the rain and a smile that can make anyone fall for her charm. Her long hair fell around her like a waterfall. Last came Xiao-Yu Jen, heiress of the Xiao-Yu clan, her presence the most radiant and beautiful of all. Many dubbed her to be the most attractive vampire in existence.

"The Aizen clan."

Hushed whispers filled the room. Of course, the Aizen clan rarely showed themselves as a complete unit. They only often saw Aizen Ichigo alone or with his uncle, Aizen Shinryuuji.

And there was also that issue that probably the Kuchiki clan didn't show up after all. Because, if you follow the hierarchy, the Aizen clan should go last, as the most powerful.

Aizen Sousuke came in first, and the whole crowd bowed, even the other purebloods. Sousuke motioned them to stand up as he came in gracefully, walking amongst them in a finely-tailored suit. His aura made everyone in his presence feel awe, inspiration, fear, and security. Everything about him seemed supreme. And his superior good looks and power made up for the most. He walked with assurance and grace, leaking with far more ability and prowess than any of them could ever imagine attaining. That was the power and class of the highest-ranking vampire in the world. Standing close to him was Aizen Masaki, her beauty the stuff of legends, even before Xiao-Yu Jen was born. She looked sophisticated and ravishing in a white gown that enveloped her perfect body. Her grace defeated all vampire women and her smile was breathtaking to behold. Behind them walked Aizen Ichigo, their only child – the one who commanded and inspired the countless youngsters of the vampires present in the said gathering. His looks magnetically attracted the attention of all the female vampires. He smiled, they sighed. Beside him was Aizen Shinryuuji, Sousuke's younger brother and headmaster of the Azulith Academy. His hair was as brown as his brother's, albeit longer and held back in a ponytail. His smile was happy and cheerful, with a personality more open and approachable.

The night was young and everyone feasted. The glamorous and the famous mingled in rare gathering of the elite and the purebloods. Everyone stared in awe as they tried to associate with the purebloods but they kept amongst themselves. But some have given a more open mind tonight.

"Aizen-sama, do you want a drink?" Tsubasa Hino asked, exposing her neck.

Ichigo smiled at the elite young woman who so eagerly exposed her neck for him. He stooped down and whispered to the girl's ears.

"Thank you," he said, eliciting a tremor from the girl. "But not now."

Hino frowned in disappointment.

"The girls are pretty energetic today," Renji commented, laughing slightly.

"Don't make such brash comments, onii-chan!" Yachiru complained. "Hi, hi, Ichigo-kun!"

Ichigo grinned. At least there was one person who didn't seem so afraid of him. "Hi, Yachiru-chan."

"Yachiru!" Shaorin, Yachiru's mother scolded. "Don't be so disrespectful to Ichigo-sama."

"But mama – " Yachiru complained.

"It's fine, Knight-san," Ichigo said. "I like Yachiru."

Shaorin smiled at Ichigo. "Thank you, Ichigo-sama."

"You're the best," Yachiru said, punching Ichigo in the arm and moving away.

"You're spoiling her too much," Renji said, shaking his head.

Ichigo smiled as he watched Ishida being dragged by Yuzu towards him.

"Good evening, Ichigo-sama," Yuzu greeted, smiling suggestively at him.

"Good-evening, Yuzu-chan."

"Forgive me, Ichigo-sama," Ishida said. "I didn't permit this behavior from her."

"Do stop, brother," Yuzu said, frowning. "You're ruining my moment."

Ichigo laughed lightly at the candor of the younger Adze girl. He decided, to reward her for her courage, to award her something she would never forget.

"You're a sweet girl," Ichigo whispered, briefly kissing her on the cheek.

Yuzu blushed so incredibly that her paleness left her. She stood ramrod straight, yelped, then ran to the lady's room.

"That's what you get," Ishida said, huffing slightly.

"Forgive me for the disturbance, Ichigo-sama," he added.

"It's all good," Ichigo said. "This is a party, after all. Lighten up and relax, Ishida."

Ishida sighed and remained where he stood.

"This is a pleasant evening, isn't it?" Tunda Ichimaru said, grinning at Ichigo.

"Yes it is," Ichigo replied. "How are you, Tunda-san?"

"Fine, fine," Ichimaru said, waving his hand. "My daughter hasn't been a nuisance, has she?"

Hinamori blushed behind her father as Toushirou, Ichigo noted, shot Ichimaru a murderous glance.

"No, no," Ichigo said, smiling. "Your daughter was a lot of help to me, even now."

Hinamori smiled in gratitude.

Ichimaru ignored the compliment Ichigo gave Hinamori and grinned wider as Aizen Sousuke and Aizen Masaki approached them.

"Good evening, Aizen-sama," Ichimaru greeted, bowing deeply.

"Good evening, Ichimaru," Sousuke replied.

Ichimaru took Masaki's hand and kissed it. "Always a pleasure in seeing the lovely Masaki-sama."

"Thank you, Ichimaru," Masaki responded, smiling.

"I was chatting with your son here about my daughter," Ichimaru said.

"You look lovely tonight, Hinamori-chan," Sousuke said.

Hinamori blushed and muttered a 'thank you.'

"Good evening, Aizen-sama," Xiao-Yu Shin greeted.

"Good evening, Shin," Sousuke replied.

"Do you think they would still come?"

"I think they still would. They have told me," Sousuke said.

The sound of a staff being hit on the floor silenced everyone. A deafening quiet enveloped them all. This was a signal that someone important was coming.

"They're here," Ichigo said.

"The Kuchiki clan," the Netopyr finally announced.

A tide of intrigued mumbles covered the room.

"Kuchiki?"

"Isn't that the Black Sheep of the Lilith?"

"And here I thought they were banished."

"So they still existed?"

"I guess they're done hiding."

"Do you think they're here for trouble?"

"Aizen is still more powerful, we know that."

The murmurs were silenced as a trio, dressed fully in black, came in.

The man was devilishly handsome, with shoulder-length ebony hair and storm-cloud eyes. His mouth was set in an unexpressive line as he walked proudly along the room. His tall figure was supported by a lean build that was impressive to watch. His hair was stylishly tamed by a Kenseikan, the rumored 'crown' of the Kuchiki head. His aura was intimidating and the blankness of his expression a bit terrifying. No one knew him. The Kuchiki clan had been hiding from the vampire community for so long. Their present head and his family remained a mystery to them.

He was followed by a woman with a detached expression. Her hair was the color of honey, similar as that of Aizen Masaki. But her hair was straighter and was shorter. She had eyes of the bluest sky and lips that were of carnations. The silk, emerald gown encased her wonderful and tall frame. She walked artfully behind her husband, also wearing a broken Kenseikan near her ears, a symbol that she was indeed the wife of Kuchiki's head.

Alongside her was a petite girl who seemed to be the daughter. Her hair was black and layered and her eyes the same hue of gray as her father's. Her gown was simple but elegant, stopping just above her knees. Her pale skin was a bit sickly in nature, but her eyes were alive and alert. They were somewhat defiant.

They approached the place where the purebloods stood, the Aizen family in the receiving front. The entire population within the hall was hushed, eager and scared of what will happen between the rivaling clans.

"Glad you could join us," Aizen Sousuke said in his usual, relaxed manner, unfazed by the events before him. He extended a hand for Kuchiki's head to shake. But the man didn't take it, instead, he bowed, along with his two companions.

"Forgive us for being late," he said in smooth and deep velvety voice. "For the benefit of the people present, let us introduce ourselves."

"Do go on," Sousuke said, smiling.

"I am Kuchiki Byakuya, 38th head of the Kuchiki family," he said. He gestured to the honey-haired woman beside him. "This is my wife, Kuchiki Yuriko." The woman bowed again towards all of them.

He then gestured to the raven-haired girl with them. "This is my younger sister, Kuchiki Rukia."

Younger sister? Ichigo thought. So this wasn't the transfer student. Where was he then?

"Where is your child, Byakuya?" Sousuke asked courteously.

"I'm afraid she cannot join us tonight," Byakuya replied. "She has complained about being sick so we sent her to the Gehenna Dormitory as soon as we arrived, if that is fine with Headmaster Shinryuuji-sama?"

Shinryuuji gave a laugh. "That's okay," he said. "Brother, we should move along with the celebrations."

"Yes," Sousuke said. "Everyone, please enjoy the night."

Tension left quickly as everyone went back to where they were before Kuchiki arrived.

"By the way, this is my wife, Masaki," Sousuke told Byakuya. The man took Masaki's hand and kissed it.

"A pleasure to meet you," he said.

"Same goes here," Masaki replied.

"A pleasant evening," Yuriko and Rukia said in greeting.

The rival families exchanged formalities until it was Ichigo's turn.

"This is my son and only child, Aizen Ichigo," Sousuke said.

Ichigo bowed to the trio. "A thrill to finally meet the Kuchiki clan," he said.

"An extraordinary chance to meet the Aizen heir," Kuchiki Byakuya said, his withdrawn expression not changing.

"It's a pity your daughter is not here," Ichigo said. "As Dorm Leader and Student President, I would have welcomed her personally to our school."

"I'm sure you'll do that excellently," Byakuya said. "And I trust that you shall take care of our daughter in her stay here?"

"Yes," Ichigo said.

"She is of delicate health," Yuriko said. "She's not used to the climate here, so I hope she would be in the best hands."

"I assure you, she will be," Ichigo said.

Ichigo smiled at them all, but was quite surprised by the ill-hidden frown of hatred given to him by Kuchiki Rukia. He ignored it, and chose to excuse himself.

"What was that all about?" Toushirou asked.

"Nothing," Ichigo said.

"If nothing meaning that the Kuchiki sister is looking at you as if she would kill you," Renji added.

Ichigo chuckled. "A small vampire can't do anything to me. But her niece can."

They all stared at Ichigo.

"Do you feel that something is at hand, Ichigo-sama?" Jen asked.

"Of course," Ichigo said. "There's always something at hand, and quite a handful, when it comes to the rivalry of Kuchiki and Aizen."

Now I stop here. =)

Hope you love my story so far. And the chapters are pretty long. :)

"Hidden are the truths to those who do not seek to find it. And when they do find it, it shall explode and they will turn to ashes." – directX07 –