Tonight's lecture was at least proving to be interesting. A leading vampire biologist had come to discuss the latest advancements in the gene-sequencing field, and their ongoing research into the correlation between a vampire's genetic code and their powers and blood status, as well as what the exact effects were of blood starvation on vampire cells. Several breakthroughs were being made which could eventually enhance the effectiveness of the blood tablets, but it was still in early stages. Even Aido, who rarely found class entertaining enough to pay attention to, was actively involved, asking questions and debating possibilities.
It was times like this when Kaname was especially proud of this group. Pacifism may have seemed like a ludicrous idea to most vampires, but in this room, it was a firm belief, a concept that was achievable. The pureblood smiled faintly as Aido began pointing out flaws in one of the visitor's theories. The researcher seemed affronted at first that his ideas would be questioned by someone so young, but Aido's cool logic could not be thwarted, and the two of them ended up in a fervent discussion about how the errors could be corrected.
Something brushed across Kaname's senses at that moment, and he frowned. He tried to pinpoint the source, but whatever it was seemed to be gone now…only… there it was again. It was almost a slight tug at the bond he shared with Zero, but it didn't feel right, the energy signature was not the hunter's.
'Nothing to worry about though. It doesn't matter. I'll just ignore it… wait - what?'
Kaname tried to grasp at the intrusion, wanting to follow it back to its origin, but the foreign presence quickly withdrew. It had been the same influence as in the clearing, he was certain of it.
Someone was playing mind games… and Kaname had every intention of finding out who.
x--x--x
Kagechi cursed. That had not gone well… he had managed to stir up the pureblood's thirst for blood before being discovered, but only slightly. It would have to do for now, the bond would take care of the rest - and Zero would be much easier to manipulate. As he set off to find the sullen guardian, he considered what had just transpired.
He had obviously been overconfident and tried too bold a tactic - hoping that the combination of Kuran's fatigue and the newly formed reciprocal bond would make it much easier to control him. However, even in his weakened state the pureblood was obviously highly skilled at mental techniques, and had very nearly been able to trace the link back to its source.
Strategies would have to be rethought… it was rapidly becoming evident that Kuran was just too powerful for such a straightforward attack.
Kagechi was going to need to use all his talents, and use them wisely. Then again, he had always loved a challenge.
x--x--x
Guardian duty had been uneventful thus far. The guards arranged around the classroom had kept the day class girls away, and the grounds were quiet. Zero had given up on patrolling, and was currently leaning against a tree near his favorite spot by the lake. It was time for the night class to head back to their dorm, and he figured he might as well wait here, well away from them. The class changeover had been awkward enough - even with his back resolutely turned on the pureblood, he had still been able to feel Kuran's gaze - and he kept having an indefinable urge to meet that intense stare. In addition, being near Kaname made his neck throb where he had been bitten, not entirely unlike the way it used to feel when Shizuka was around, although at least that was on the opposite side. It wasn't painful, but it was unsettling. As if he needed some kind of Kuran-radar…
The strangest feeling suddenly washed over him, like there were strings attached to his heart and someone was pulling them.
'What the hell?'
He was spared further contemplation by a wave of bloodlust so strong it almost brought him to his knees. One hand went to his throat where the hunter tattoo was glowing like a brand, and the other hand clutched at his chest. It felt like something was clawing at him from inside, and his skin flushed alternately between hot and cold. How was this possible? It hadn't been that long since he'd fed from Kuran… then again, he had given most of that blood back. Still, it was highly unusual for his thirst to take hold so strongly and in such a short time… generally he'd begin to feel the first signs days before it started to hurt this badly…
Raw, animal hunger robbed him of strength, and he collapsed at the foot of the tree. He could only repeat one thought as he raged against the pain.
Please, don't let her find me like this…
x--x--x
Kaname dropped two tablets into the glass, watching them gradually turn the contents red. His thirst had been steadily rising all evening, and it worried him. He'd taken a lot of blood from Zero last night, he shouldn't be craving again this soon.
He stared distractedly out of the window as he took a sip of the scarlet liquid, letting his mind wander across the bond. He could sense that Zero was currently out near the lake…probably skipping out on his duties as he often did…
The pureblood's musings were interrupted by a violent pain in his chest. He kept himself from crying out, but doubled over in agony. His jaw began to ache, fangs lengthening in a rush.
Bloodlust? But he had just…
'Damn it!'
Kaname gasped softly, unable to check the urge to put his hand to his neck where his bite area was starting to tingle in time with his pulse. The bond… it was Zero. It seemed Kaname was not the only one suffering hunger pangs at the moment.
Sealing off the mental connection as much as was possible, he downed the rest of the blood tablet liquid in one gulp. If anything, it tasted even more bland than usual - something Kaname would not have thought possible - and it did almost nothing to appease his thirst.
He had been afraid this would happen. It was time to talk to Zero, and that was a conversation he'd been hoping to avoid.
A bond was a commitment, a kind of promise. Of course, not all bonds were made voluntarily. A nonconsensual bond was far weaker than one which was created willingly, and also had fewer side effects.
The only problem was, Kaname had given his blood to Zero - and Zero had offered his blood to Kaname in return.
Strictly speaking therefore, they weren't just bonded - they were mates, and that presented its own set of complications. A mated pair became reliant on each other. Feeding from someone else would sustain them for a short time in an emergency, for example if they were injured, but unless they took blood from their mate regularly, the frequency and intensity of their cravings would increase sharply, their body almost shutting down from starvation no matter how often they fed.
Kaname reluctantly admitted, if only to himself, that he might have underestimated the strength of that particular side effect. He had been so sure that the tablets would still suffice for him, and it irked him that the substance he'd spent so much time and effort in developing would let him down now, when he could least afford it.
He had known since the idea first took shape in his mind that it would be a risk to offer Zero his blood, but he had never in a million years thought Zero would return the favor. Of course, it could be construed as his own fault for going through with it and biting Zero… although there had been extenuating circumstances - he had miscalculated the intensity of his hunger at the time, and how tempting it would be to accept Zero's offer, if only to ruffle the hunter's composure.
He had been prepared for Zero needing more of his blood though, and was willing to pay that price to keep the ex-human sane and active as Yuuki's shield - a kind of tithe… but now, in a startlingly ironic twist of fate, he was being forced to rely on Zero for survival, and that was something he could not accept.
Kaname Kuran had never needed anybody… and he wasn't about to start now. He was surely strong enough to resist his own urges until he could find some other way.
The bond gave another little twinge, reminding him that although he may be strong enough to fight the effects, Zero wasn't. He headed for the window and leapt out, landing silently and gracefully before hurrying to find the silver-haired guardian.
x--x--x
It felt like hours later, although it was probably only minutes. Zero managed to stand weakly. The thirst still gnawed at him, but the pain was less severe. He placed his hand on the tree trunk to steady himself, and realized he was shivering, the cool air chilling his skin where it was drenched in sweat. He wished he could go back to his room and get changed, but of course, Ichiru might be there.
Taking another look at his current state decided him.
It was a chance he would have to take.
x--x--x
Yuuki strolled unhurriedly through the academy. Duty was technically over for the night, everyone having returned to their dorms. She was just doing one last sweep to ensure the grounds were clear, then she was definitely going to bed.
Halfway across campus, she spotted Zero heading for the boy's dorm. Wanting to ask how his patrol went, and to say goodnight, she called after him, but he ignored her. Slightly annoyed, she ran to catch up with him; however, the sharp words she had planned to unleash were immediately quelled when she got close enough to see him properly. He was very pale, walking with difficulty. His breathing was ragged and he seemed to be in pain, his jacket undone and his shirt sticking to his body.
She'd seen the symptoms enough times to know what he needed. Taking hold of his arm, she steered him towards an empty classroom. It was a mark of how desperate he was that he offered no resistance or comment. Once they were inside, she put her arms around him and drew him close, exposing her neck, waiting for his instincts to take over.
Zero hated this. It seemed that he always ended up in the same situation, a helpless prisoner of his own nature. As always, Yuuki held him fearlessly, and her casual acceptance of his shameful need never failed to amaze him.
How badly he wanted to stay in her embrace, to hold her in return, as a man would hold a woman, not a monster its prey. How fervently he wished that he could concentrate on the heat of her body against his rather than the steady beat of her pulse… wished he could inhale her scent without it provoking his thirst - but he knew those were vain hopes. Regardless of how many times he tried to fight it, the beast within always won. Conceding defeat yet again, he dipped his head to her throat, biting down gently, almost apologetically, surrendering once more to this ultimate sin.
The sweet ambrosia that was her blood soon flooded his mouth, swamping his senses with delight. He swallowed eagerly, drawing more of her precious life… until vaguely, he began to realize that something was wrong. Although Yuuki's blood was as delicious as always, it wasn't helping his thirst much. The aching void within still demanded sustenance, and for some reason, Yuuki's blood didn't quite seem to be enough.
Horrified, Zero stopped drinking immediately. Panicked thoughts chased through his mind -
Was this level E? When your thirst knew no limits?
- No… Zero knew that was not the case. Quite aside from Kuran's reassurances, Zero realized that if he had fallen to level E, he would have killed Yuuki rather than stopping.
'Then what's wrong with me?'
"Zero?" Yuuki's voice was tentative. She'd felt him tense up as soon as he'd stopped, much sooner than usual too, and she was worried about him.
"I… I can't do this anymore... I'm sorry Yuuki."
He pulled away from the circle of her arms, threw open the door and disappeared into the night. This time, she didn't follow.
x--x--x
Zero ran. He had no real destination in mind, he just needed to get away.
Away from the beast within, away from Yuuki's endearing but foolish trust.
Trees whipped past in a blur as he increased his speed, but he knew he couldn't keep going much longer. His breaths were coming in sharp pants and his chest was aching with the combination of fatigue and unslaked blood thirst. He stripped off his school jacket, throwing it aside, not caring if he ever found it again.
His words seemed to run after him, taunting every step…
I can't do this anymore.It was no longer enough.
I'm sorry Yuuki. He was always sorry.
When his legs refused to carry him further, he finally slowed to a stop, sinking to his knees and cradling his head in his hands.
Why? Why did he always have to hurt others to help himself?
He clawed at his chest, as if hoping to find and excise the bestial side of his soul, ripping both shirt and skin. The scent of his own blood served to enrage his vampire nature further, and he redoubled his efforts. Only when his bloodied hands were shaking too badly to continue did he cease his frantic movements, surrendering to exhaustion. Darkness threatened to take him, and he welcomed its chill embrace.
"Kiriyu?"
No… not now.
"Kiriyu."
Don't, please…
"Zero!"
His eyes fluttered open reluctantly, hoping against hope he had been dreaming. No such luck. Kaname was indeed bending over him, one hand on Zero's shoulder, although he removed it as soon as he saw Zero was awake.
"What do you want?" Zero asked testily. He had meant it to come out with more venom, but he was too weak currently to manage it.
"We have to talk."
All Zero's anger rose to the surface, compounding his thirst, his anger at himself, at his situation, at the way Kuran had treated Yuuki like she was nothing after she had almost been hurt - and now suddenly the arrogant bastard was here, wanting to talk?
"I have nothing to say to you - so leave me alone!"
Zero's attempts to get to his feet were thwarted when Kaname simply knocked his legs out from under him, tumbling Zero back to the ground and enraging him further. He'd had enough. He was starving, he was furious, and Kuran was so close… he was just about ready to tear into any part of the pureblood he could reach.
Kaname could see Zero was likely to pounce at any moment, and knew he had to find a way to get his attention, so he allowed a small note of command to creep into his voice.
"Zero, listen to me!"
The effect was immediate. Predatory rage was replaced by confusion as the hunter found himself compelled to listen and stared at Kaname mistrustfully.
"Fine. Talk."
"You have taken from Yuuki again. I can smell her on you."
Underneath the maddening scent of Zero's own blood which was spilling so seductively over the marble contours of his chest... Kaname felt his fangs extend slightly at the proximity of his bondmate's blood, his fingers itching to turn into claws as his darker nature threatened to take over.
He wanted to rip… devour…possess…no!'
Kaname may have had legendary self-restraint, but he still found it necessary to take a second and calm his clamoring instincts before he could speak again.
"Yet you're still hungry." A statement of fact, no need for it to be a question. Zero's eyes were testament enough, glowing a deep silver-red, like gore-spattered diamonds.
A growl, which Kaname took as assent.
"It's because we are bonded now. You have taken my blood, and I yours. Both of us gave it freely, however ambiguous we may have felt about that decision afterwards. How it happened no longer matters. What does matter, Kiriyu, is that no other blood can completely slake your thirst but mine."
No need to tell him yet that this particular knife cut both ways. Hopefully Zero would think it was related to his weaker status as an ex-human.
Zero's voice was cold and bitter. "So you've come here to gloat?"
"You're wasting time, pretending not to know what this is about."
Kaname took off his jacket, hanging it carefully over a low branch before proceeding to unbutton his shirt.
Zero watched every movement, his gaze so intense Kaname felt like he was caught in a spotlight. The shirt joined the jacket, and Kaname moved to kneel next to Zero, fixing the hunter with an impassive stare.
"Drink. We both know you need it, and I won't have you running around like a half-starved madman, especially not while the council's guards are here."
Kaname kept his tone annoyed, using it to hide the racing of his heart, this instinctive reaction to his mate's nearness impossible to suppress. He wished Zero would hurry up and get it over with, before Kaname's own savage side could slip its leash.
Something was happening to Zero. He felt like his rational mind had become oddly detached from the situation, his human side pushed into a corner by the beast within. Seeing Kaname like this, bare-chested and offering himself, however reluctantly, called to Zero's vampiric instincts… made him want to slowly savor the impending victory over his prey. Without warning, he pounced, taking Kaname by surprise and trapping him on the ground.
Kaname hissed, the rough treatment once more calling his natural impulses to the fore. His fangs grew out completely, his other teeth becoming sharper as well, hidden claws unsheathing themselves. He closed his eyes, knowing streaks of crimson fire were starting to appear in them.
Dear God…he doesn't know what he's doing to me. Focus. I need to…
Thought was cut off by sensation as Zero ran his tongue roughly up Kaname's neck once before choosing a spot and biting down hard, sinking his fangs as deeply as possible, wanting to assert dominance over his victim.
Kaname lost the battle to keep still, his whole body trying to arch off the ground in response to the bite, claws digging into the soil below to repress the urge to rake them cruelly down the hunter's back.
Zero began to drink, drawing in as much blood as possible with each pull on Kaname's neck, delighting in the way the pureblood's muscles corded under his relentless mouth. This was power, this was control, and Zero was relishing every second of it, the rush of blood down his throat, the rise and fall of the other vampire's chest beneath his own as the pureblood drew sharp, shallow breaths, those same breaths warm against his skin as Kaname released them in ragged little pants near Zero's ear… it was a plethora of sensations, each one distinct, yet part of the whole, combining in a manner that was beginning to make Zero hunger in a completely different way; bringing back a rush of vivid memories -
Another time, also on the forest floor, the two of them alone, Zero at the bottom this time, writhing in pleasure, running his hands over Kaname's well-muscled back as the pureblood repaid him in kind, eagerly exploring Zero's neck with his tongue…
Mustering his willpower, Zero removed his teeth from Kaname's throat, slowly lifting his head.
The pureblood seemed to be in some kind of pain, eyes screwed tightly shut, fingers gripping the earth as if it were a lifeline and small tremors running through his frame. Zero sat up fully, but quickly moved when he realized he had been straddling Kaname is a rather compromising way. His cheeks flushed slightly, and he was profoundly grateful that Kuran seemed to be too distracted to notice.
Kaname slowly opened his eyes, knowing there was no way to hide that they were the vibrant scarlet of full-fledged hunger. It had taken everything he had to ignore the riot of feelings rushing through his body while Zero fed, his head spinning as his own desperate need for Zero's blood increased with every passing second. He told himself it was temporary, he told himself he could resist, but deep down he knew those were dangerous lies. In point of fact, if he didn't get away from here as soon as possible, he knew exactly how things were bound to end.
Pushing himself up, he got to his feet, using his fingers to comb bits of leaves from his hair while he walked over to the tree branch to retrieve his clothing, all the while uncomfortably aware of Kiriyu's gaze.
Zero watched as Kaname pulled on his black shirt, noticing that the pureblood's fingers were still trembling. Combined with the glowing eyes and the glint of sharp teeth he could see between Kuran's parted lips, the hunter could guess what was wrong. He'd obviously drained the pureblood to the point where his thirst was beginning to bother him. Part of Zero felt a little guilty at that… but another, larger part couldn't resist pointing out a chink in the formidable Kaname Kuran's supposedly impenetrable armor.
"Hey, Kuran…"
The object of his taunt glanced at him. Zero smirked.
"Looks like you could use a meal in a glass."
Kaname's composure snapped. A cold wind began whipping through the trees, leaves rustling angrily like buzzing hornets as the pureblood's aura turned malevolent. He knew Zero wasn't aware of the entire situation, but the mocking tone and self-satisfied air of the hunter's jibe was too much. How dare he?
Zero's eyes widened at the sudden display, worry creeping into his expression. This was unexpected… and a little scary. The air temperature plummeted further, bits of debris rising from the forest floor as the wind picked up speed.
"I'm sorry! Please, calm down Kur…Kaname."
The use of his given name seemed to get through to the irate pureblood, and the wind ceased, the forest suddenly warm and quiet as it had been before.
Kaname took a steadying breath, settling his frayed nerves.
"I apologize for that, Kiriyu. I lost my temper…"
"Why?" Zero didn't know what possessed him to ask, it wasn't like he cared, but for some reason he really found himself curious as to Kuran's reaction. After all, it wasn't like Zero had suggested he go eat somebody…
Damn. Kaname sighed. He was tired. So tired of keeping secrets and telling lies when the real damage was already done… he ran a hand through his hair, betraying his distress. Perhaps it was time to lay all the cards on the table. Meeting Zero's stare, but keeping his voice low, as if hoping it would reduce the weight of his confession, Kaname spoke.
"As I said - we're bonded now, so the tablets…the tablets don't work for me anymore."