Kaname's keen hearing picked up the sound of approaching footsteps. Their cadence told him it was his captor. He did not open his eyes or make any move from his position on the floor, but he did begin preparing his mental defences. Last time he had been caught unawares by the extent of the noble's power, but this time, he planned to be prepared.

The door opened, he could hear the pneumatic hiss as it detached from its frame to swing inwards.

Still he did not move.

Kagechi shut the door behind him, eyeing the pureblood warily. There was no way that Kuran hadn't heard him come in… he must be feigning inattentiveness. Kagechi sneered. How very foolish to expect a trained assassin like him to fall for such a ridiculous ploy. He would make sure the pureblood regretted it. Keeping his distance, he began to reach for the bond. He could feel the bright threads of it singing with power… opening his mind, he reached for the glowing bands - but they eluded his grasp.

When a second try got him the same result, a small jolt of panic ran down his spine. Perhaps he should have subdued Kuran from outside… but he had so wanted to see the moment when the pureblood's will became ensnared… when the calculating intelligence behind those mesmerising eyes faded into dulled obedience…

He took a half-step back, planning to leave the room, but before he could complete the manoeuvre, his legs had been kicked out from under him by one of the devastatingly speedy pureblood's quicksilver moves. Ignoring his vulnerable position, even as Kuran pounced and trapped him in a cage of claw-tipped limbs, Kagechi focused his entire will on the bond. Kuran's attack faltered slightly as he was forced to defend his mind against the onslaught, and Kagechi used the distraction to kick the pureblood viciously in the gut, shattering Kuran's focus and cementing Kagechi's mental hold.

Kaname hissed as pain flared in his abdomen, his breath knocked out of him. Damn it! He had been too careless in his attack, allowing his lust for vengeance to drive him… and now, yet again, he found himself relegated to a corner of his own mind, his body no longer his to command.

Kagechi inhaled deeply, hoping to slow his racing heart. That had been far too close for comfort, and he intended to make Kuran pay for his insolence. He was really going to enjoy this… using his power, he compelled the pureblood to kneel.

"You've been a most troublesome guest… perhaps it's time I taught you some manners."

Gliding closer with near-soundless steps, he placed the flat of the dagger blade against his captive's throat, wanting to prolong the anticipation.

The icy feel of the knife at his neck penetrated Kaname's every sense, impossible to ignore. He would rip this overconfident fool limb from limb when he… ah!

Kaname was grateful that he wasn't in control of his vocal cords, as he wasn't sure he would have been able to prevent a small, pained hiss from escaping out loud as the blade broke the sensitive skin just below his jaw line. His captor drew the dagger down the side of his throat slowly, obviously savouring the way it laced open flesh, exposing the scarlet blood beneath.

"I'm intrigued to know what you're thinking right now, slave. See how easily I am able to bleed you - and there's nothing you can do to stop me."

Kagechi dipped the blade, holding it at an angle so that it caught the scarlet liquid which flowed in such tempting rivulets down the graceful arch of the pureblood's neck before soaking darkly into his shirt.

"I wonder what you taste like - but then, there's only one way to find out…"

He made sure to meet his prisoner's glazed eyes as he brought the blood-soaked blade to his lips, flicking his tongue out to sample the fruits of his victory. So… rich… he shut his eyes for a moment, lost in the enthralling flavour.

Delicious.

He sank to his knees, facing the pureblood, then leaned in closer, placing his mouth near where the bright trails of blood disappeared into Kuran's collar. He really, really wanted to bite into the beautiful, pale flesh so tantalizingly exposed, to feel it give way beneath his rapidly elongating fangs… but that would be an unconscionable mistake. While he had the power to manipulate bonds, creating one - even if it only went one way - might allow the pureblood access to Kagechi's mind in turn, so the assassin settled for using his tongue to lap at the blood still seeping from the rapidly-closing cuts.

Within the confines of his mental prison, Kaname raged.

It was the most vile, degrading humiliation to have to submit to the sadistic whims of this despicable individual, and the harsh, rasping strokes of the noble's forceful tongue on his skin made him feel sick to his core.

Any second now, his captor was bound to claim him with his fangs, and Kaname didn't think he would be able to retain his sanity when that happened. As an individual who had learned the hard way to hate and fear weakness in any form, this situation was dredging up all kinds of suppressed memories of blood and pain; the night his parents had been killed; the fierce whippings - among other things - Asato Ichijo had subjected him to for "defying him" when he was younger … and that same hopeless, helpless feeling threatened to overwhelm him now. Desperately, he held on to his anger. Blazing, furious wrath was the only island he had in this sea of despondency, and he seized it tenaciously.

Kagechi couldn't resist mocking his victim once more. Lifting his head slightly, he spoke.

"Tell me - do you like it rough?" He punctuated this statement by bringing the dagger into play again, this time cutting deeper, then tracking the escaping blood with another violent sweep of his tongue.

"It certainly looked that way with your ex-human slut…"

The flames of Kaname's rage became an inferno. A red haze settled over his consciousness, the inner beast taking control. Way past caring, Kaname gave in to his darkest nature, letting the awakening monster have its way.

At the pureblood's sides, fingers turned into claws with a lethal whisper, twitching slightly. Burgundy eyes lost their blank dullness, saturating with incandescent ruby and savage intent, even as once-innocuous teeth became the razor-tipped weapons of a predator, his own blood filling his mouth where the sharp points caught at his tongue.

Engrossed as he was in his depraved feast, Kagechi failed to notice.

x--x--x

Zero was slipping in and out of consciousness.

At least, that was the only way to explain the strangely disjointed images which flashed through his mind one minute and were gone the next.

A small room, a strange figure clad in black. Breathlessness and pain in his gut… like being kicked or punched. An icy sensation on his upper throat, followed by fiery trails slipping down his neck. A jolt of emotions that he was sure weren't his own rushed through him. Disgust. Shame. Hopelessness… and fierce rage - a hate so strong his soul seemed to burn with it, and then his fangs were growing, his fingers itching at their tips. His vision sharpened as it usually did when his instincts came to the fore, but it was as if it was happening far away, in a place he had no control over.

Perhaps he was already losing his mind. After all, insanity had been stalking him ever since he'd become a vampire.

A dull throbbing was starting at the base of his throat, and his unease grew. Strange tingles of unfamiliar power were suddenly dancing in his blood, adrenalin racing through his veins as if he was tensing for a fight. More flashes… more pain... the flavour of blood in his mouth, wholly unique and distinctive - Kaname's blood.

Realization dawned on him, a sickening feeling taking root in his stomach.

No! It couldn't be… not yet!

He thrashed against the chains binding him, only half-aware of his own surroundings as he tried to grab hold of the images in his mind, engaging in a phantom battle, needing to know the outcome.

Somewhere, right now, Kaname was fighting for his life.

His life - and Zero's.

x--x--x

It was only years of training and carefully honed reflexes that saved Kagechi from the first blindingly fast thrust of the pureblood's claws. He hastily sidestepped and sank into a crouch, simultaneously minimising the target and forcing Kuran to shift his position.

Cursing himself for a fool, he wrenched at his hold on the bond, but the pureblood seemed unaffected.

This was bad. Glancing at his adversary, he realized Kuran's bestial side had taken over - the utterly ruthless, savage side of his nature, which knew no morality and showed no mercy. While Kagechi still had a firm grip on the threads of the double-bond, he was only a noble, and his power was nowhere near strong enough to control a pure-blooded vampire at its most elemental.

A low growl tore through the air, a challenge, one predator sizing up another.

Kagechi fought against the instinctive urge to run for the door, knowing that it would be a mistake - only prey backs down from a fight.

Maintaining direct eye-contact, he ran through his options. He needed some way to force Kuran's feral side to withdraw so that he could use his powers again, while avoiding getting ripped to shreds in the process… mind going a mile a minute, he found the answer.

Kagechi snarled, urging the pureblood into combat. Time stood still for a moment as they both stared each other down, and then seemed to speed up as Kuran leapt with the powerful, graceful economy of movement of a jungle cat.

Timing it to perfection, Kagechi waited until the last second before the pureblood's lithe form made contact with him, then dropped to the floor, reaching upwards to grab hold of Kuran's shirt, using it as leverage to throw the pureblood into the nearest wall.

There was a flash and a rain of sparks as Kuran's body made contact, and then the pureblood slumped to the floor, convulsing. The pain and surprise of the sudden electrocution had the desired effect - Kuran's claws and fangs retracting, the murderous glow fading from his eyes.

This time Kagechi met no resistance when he seized the bond. Using it to keep the pureblood immobile on the floor, he made his escape. When the door finally shut behind him, he let out a deep breath. He wasn't planning on trying that again in a hurry.

Next time, he would err on the side of caution.

Of course, the next time he came in here it would be to kill, not just to toy with his captive… and now that he had gotten a taste of that incredibly intoxicating elixir… he was thinking the "Council's decision" would have to be expedited.

x--x--x

Ichiru decided he had composed himself sufficiently to face his brother again. He had initially planned to spend as much time as possible in Zero's cell. Although he still wanted to watch his brother die, he also wanted to savour every last moment with him. Whether it was some almost-forgotten love for his twin surfacing, or just that Ichiru would delight in witnessing Zero's slow demise - or perhaps some combination of the two - Ichiru didn't question it. As he drew closer to the basement room where his brother was imprisoned, he became aware of the sounds of movement, chains clinking slightly. It didn't sound like an earnest escape attempt, which was rather disappointing. Ichiru had always envied Zero's fiery side, the side that never surrendered even in the most adverse of circumstances. He wanted to watch Zero fight.

Holding the lamp aloft, he entered the small, damp space. At first, he didn't understand what he was seeing, but slowly it became clear. Zero jerked spasmodically in the chains, his whole body racked with tremors. He seemed to be having some kind of seizure, blood running down his chin from where he had caught his lips with his teeth. Unable to suppress a sudden surge of fear, Ichiru hastened to Zero's side, slapping his twin across the cheek hard. Getting no response, he began to worry. He told himself this concern was only because if Zero died now, it would cut short the fun of watching him waste away painfully, but in truth, it sparked long-buried feelings of fraternal sympathy.

"Zero? Zero!"

Zero gave one final shudder, and then went limp. Frantically, Ichiru searched his brother's throat for a pulse. What he found was not encouraging, it was weak and fading fast. He also noted that Zero seemed to have stopped breathing, and his skin was becoming clammy and cold beneath Ichiru's fingers.

'Damn you Zero! Don't you dare take my vengeance away from me!'

Reaching into his jacket pocket, Ichiru fumbled for the key to the manacles which held his twin suspended by the wrists. Unlocking them, he supported Zero's weight before laying him on his back. Desperately, he knelt next to his brother, holding Zero's nose closed with one hand while he leaned forward to perform mouth-to-mouth. His lips were inches from his twin's when Zero suddenly bucked underneath him. Ichiru barely had time to register his surprise before long, wickedly sharp fangs were driven deeply into his neck.

Ichiru pulled back, causing Zero's teeth to rip through his flesh. He ignored the pain, his hand already on the hilt of his sword. Pulling it free from its scabbard, he rolled to his feet, whirling to face his opponent.

Zero had also risen, but his feet were still chained to the floor, giving Ichiru a reach advantage. His brother's face and chest were drenched in blood, and his glare was tinged with scarlet fire.

Ichiru knew he should leave the room and tend to his wound. If he didn't stem the bleeding, he could die… but something about Zero's mocking stance seemed to call to him to stand and fight. Zero's voice broke the silence, deciding his fate.

"Well little brother? Aren't you going to run away again?"

Rage seethed within Ichiru. Years of neglect and rejection rose to the surface, demanding retribution. When he spoke, the words were cold and harsh.

"I wouldn't give you the satisfaction."

"Come on then. Either way, this ends now."

Holding his sword at the ready, Ichiru advanced on his twin.

x--x--x

This hadn't exactly been a part of Zero's original plan, but when he woke from hazy nightmares of Kaname, wracked with pain, only to find himself partially freed and Ichiru's throat so conveniently placed, he had reacted on instinct. It had now come down to a confrontation - one which Zero was not at all sure of winning.

Ichiru was armed, he was not.

Ichiru was free to move around, he was not.

Ichiru wanted to kill him, and - in spite of everything - Zero wasn't prepared to take the life of his twin.

Notwithstanding these disadvantages, he had to try. This was perhaps his one and only chance to escape - and Kaname was already injured. Zero didn't know how much longer the pureblood had before the Council reached a verdict and executed him outright or tortured him to death, and he felt compelled to get there before either of those things happened.

He watched numbly as Ichiru moved around him, looking for an opportunity to attack. Zero resisted the lure to turn around and track his brother's actions each time he circled behind him, knowing that it would only result in the chains getting tangled around his feet, which was no doubt what Ichiru wanted to achieve. Instead, he used his senses, both hunter and vampire, to keep himself aware of his brother's position and intentions. An indrawn breath alerted Zero that Ichiru was making a move on him from behind his back, and he waited until he could feel the rush of air ahead of the sword blade before moving slightly aside, just enough that the blade only skimmed along his ribs instead of skewering him. The shallow cut burned, but he ignored it as Ichiru's momentum carried him within reach. Grabbing hold of his twin's wrists, he brought the sword up and around, trying to twist it from Ichiru's grip.

Like a strange parody of mirrored reflections, they grappled silently. Zero's strength was flagging, but he knew the moment he let go of Ichiru the fight would be lost, so he hung on like grim death. Ichiru writhed, attempting to evade his brother's grasp, his breath coming in harsh pants.

"You… can't win Zero… Face it - Shizuka-sama's blood has made me stronger… than you."

Zero didn't waste time or energy on replying, only redoubled his efforts.

x--x--x

Kaname was sure he was dreaming.

He was locked in a struggle with Ichiru Kiriyu, wrestling him for his sword. His usually inexhaustible pureblood strength seemed to be failing him though, and that vexed him no end as it denied him the expedient end to this battle he so craved.

No matter - there were other ways, and nobody said it had to be a fair fight.

Reaching within his mind for his power, he willed the sword out of his opponent's hands. He watched as Ichiru's eyes widened in shock, and he revelled in the anticipation of what would come next…

Keeping the sword suspended, he gripped Ichiru's left arm, swinging him around and capturing him from behind, then kneeing the back of his leg to force the human to kneel, while knotting a hand in Ichiru's hair to force his head back. Amethyst eyes, so alike yet so different to his brother's, stared into Kaname's face in disbelief, fear and betrayal.

He savoured the moment of victory, making sure to lock gazes with the younger Kiriyu twin before he grabbed the sword with his mind. As the blade plunged downwards, spearing through Ichiru's chest, Kaname only had one thought.

This is for Zero.

x--x--x

Zero stared down at Ichiru in horror.

He had no idea how it had happened… one moment he had been losing the battle and then suddenly… suddenly…

'Oh God! What have I done?'

Ichiru's hand came up to clutch weakly at the blade so cruelly impaling him, as if unable to accept that it was real. His eyes met Zero's once more, and any spark of evil intent or ill-will towards his twin faded instantly. There was only Zero, the strong, ever-present defender who had always shielded him when they were young… and now there were so many things he wanted to tell his brother. Things he had been hiding before, but which suddenly became clear. He drew a ragged breath to speak.

"Ze…ro. I'm sorry. I didn't want…"

The rest was drowned out by a sudden fit of coughing, blood bubbling up from his lungs to spill into his mouth. He sank to the floor, pain overtaking him for a moment.

Zero knelt next to him, laying Ichiru's head in his lap, turning it slightly to try and clear the airways. All Ichiru's sins against him and his family were drowned out in an instant by the overwhelming urge to protect the small, vulnerable boy who had always turned to his big brother for comfort. Zero's voice came out shaky, choked with emotion.

"Shhh, don't speak. It will be all right. It will…"

Ichiru gave a slight shake of his head. He knew he was dying, but there was one last thing he needed to say. Feebly, he reached up a hand, twining his cold fingers with Zero's warm ones.

"I…I love you Zero… always. Forgive me."

The light slowly faded from Ichiru's eyes, leaving Zero truly alone for the first time in his life.

Cradling his twin's broken form, Zero wept.