Kaname was lying on the love seat with an arm over his eyes to protect them from the sun's light that came in from the opened curtains behind his seat, while remembering confronting Zero, before shifting his arm so that he could look at the sun.
Ichiru was putting his jacket as he remembered Kaname's words."You can never betray him no matter what you're planning because I know deep down, you hold a place in your heart for your brother. And that is why, Ichiru, you are allowed to live...by me because you are Zero's brother."Ichiru hmphed.
Zero lied awake in his dorm room, looking at the wall from his spot in bed."If you were going to have your blood sucked anyway, I'm sure you would rather it have been Kuran Kaname instead of me, right?" Zero's mind flashed to when Kaname walked away from him and when Zero had nuzzled the blanket, believing that Kaname had been the one to put it over him. Zero closed his amethyst eyes, wanting to try to get some more sleep before his alarm went off.
Moon Dorms
Takuma gently knocked on Kaname's door, only for it to echo loudly in the quiet hallway."Kaname?"Takuma's hand fell to his side when he got no answer."Be sure to get some sleep, ok? Good Night."The blonde turned around to leave, only to find the rest of Kaname's inner circle and Yuki standing in front of him in their pjs.
"Dorm President Kuran has been shutting himself up in his room, hasn't he?"Rima asked in a dull voice.
Kain looked at Hanabusa."Don't tell me you did something to upset him again."Kain said causing Hanabusa, Senri and Rima to look at him.
"Of course not!"Hanabusa said angrily."Besides, if I did, I'd have been scolded right on the spot."The ice wielder answered sadly and closed his eyes.
"You're right."Kain said, closing his eyes and looked away.
Ruka looked down at the ground."Don't worry."Takuma said, noticing Ruka's worry along with Kain, and gave her a smile."He probably just has a lot on his mind."Takuma turned to look back at everyone."Come, let's turn in for the night as well."
"Ichijo-sama."A maid said, causing Takuma to look at said maid and saw a very high stack of books in her hand."I've gathered all the books you requested."Two cloaked figures stood behind her."Would you like me to deliver them to your room?"The group stared at the maid, dumbfounded.
"Uh, s-sorry. If you'd please."
"Um, where is Kuran-sama?"
"Do you need something from the Dorm President?"
The maid held out the silver plate which had a pen and clip board with a piece of paper on it."There's someone who would like to visit the Dorm, and I need him to sign off on the request."
Takuma blinked before walking forward and took the clip board, reading it before his face became horrified."No way..."Takuma choked out, shaking in his shoes."Why!?"
"Ichijo-san?"Senri asked.
"What's the matter?"Hanabusa added.
"My... My grandfather... will be arriving tonight!"Takuma shouted causing the group to sweat-drop at his childish act.
Moon Dorm Lounge
"The Dorm Vice-President's grandfather is..."Kain trailed off.
"If I'm not mistaken, he's that..."Hanabusa also trailed off.
"That's right."Takuma said softly."To the outside world, he is the one who transformed the 'Ichijo Group' into the enterprise it is today, with connections to every business imaginable. But in the world of darkness, he is the head of one of the highest ranked Noble Families among Vampires. Ichijo Asato, otherwise known as 'Ichiou'."Takuma's eyes narrowed as he explained."One of the most senior Vampires alive whose name is linked to the Senate."
"So why is he coming here?"Yuki asked, frowning.
"I have no idea."
"There's nothing to be afraid of."Ruka spoke up and Takuma looked at her with wide forest green eyes."The Senate may be the highest authority governing our world, but they are not our rules."
"Well, that is true, but... I don't want the fragile peace of the Dorm to be disturbed. For Kaname's sake...
That night, a thick fog hang around the Moon Dorms as the members of the Night Class talked about Ichijo 'Ichiou' Asato, the Head of the Senate . Kaname's inner circle and Yuki were near the stairs, listening to everyone else talk.
"Fu, I wonder if he's truly that frightening, the Gramps from the Senate?"Ruka wondered, covering her smirk with her eyes closed.
"Of course."Kain said, frowning."He's a monster whose been alive twelve times longer then any of us."Kain looked around."That's why we all skipped class and gathered here, right?"
"Even he admits he's scared."Rima said dully.
"Well so am I, Rima..."Rima's eyes snapped Senri's questionably."But still, I wonder who's scarier? Dorm President Kuran, who's a Pureblood, or him?"
"Isn't that obvious?"Hanabusa asked.
"Kaname!"Takuma said, eyes wide when he saw Kaname and went up the stairs as Kaname was coming down said stairs."Don't worry. You don't need to be here for this alright? I'm sure he's just coming here to lecture me about something."
"It's alright..."Kaname said as he walked pass Takuma and continued down the stairs."I haven't seen Ichiou in quiet some time. I'd like to say hello. May I?"Kaname asked, glancing back at Takuma.
"Of course you may."Takuma said softly.
Takuma followed Kaname back down the stairs and towards the door and everyone watched as said door opened and Ichijo Asato stood there, his cape blowing in the wind behind him before it calmed down and he walked inside, looking everyone over.
"I appreciate this warm welcome."Asato said as the door closed and he came to stop in front of Kaname, Yuki and his inner the only reason I've come tonight is to pay a visit to my dear grandson. No need to stand on formalities."
"Hello Ichijo."Kaname said as he stepped aside."I'm glad to see you're well."
"I believe the last time we saw one another, my offer to become yours and your sister's guardian after the sudden death of your parents was rejected rather brusquely, was it not, Kaname-sama?"Asato questioned the older Pureblood.
"Yes, I just didn't want to be cuddled and neither did Yuki."Kaname said and Takuma leaned closer to him to speak.
"Kaname, it isn't the time for this."Takuma said softly and Asato's eyes narrowed when he saw a scratch mark going down Kaname's neck.
"Yes, you're right."Kaname said as Asato turned to face him.
"Pureblood's are different from us Aristocrats. Even if you're covered in blood, nothing can defile you. You're a flower that smells lusciously sweet for all eternity."Asato said as he took hold of Kaname's hand, bent down on one knee while everyone gasped."Such overflowing youth, power, and beauty...My only wish is for the opportunity to taste your 'peerless blood' someday."Ruka and Yuki suddenly stood in front of Kaname while Hanabusa had wrenched Asato's hand away from Kaname's hand.
"Please forgive us, Kaname-sama, but..."
"Your joke has gone to far."
"Souen's daughter and Aido's son, is it?"Asato asked, pulling his hand free of Hanabusa's grip and Takuma quickly stood between them while Kain pulled Ruka away from Kaname.
"Hanabusa."Takuma warned.
"You of all people should know that to ask a Pureblood to shed blood is our greatest taboo!"Hanabusa snarled, ignoring Takuma's warning, and Asato narrowed his eyes at Hanabusa."I'm not afraid of you at-"Hanabusa was cut off by Kaname smacking across the face.
Ruka gasped in shock while Hanabusa held a hand over his nose."I appear to have been entirely too lax with discipline."Kaname said, giving Asato a short bow as his hair covered his eyes.
"It is only because you are here, Kaname-sama, Yuki-hime, that I've had no misgivings allowing my Grandson to remain at this Academy."Asato answered, kneeling to Kaname as the Pureblood stood up straight again, and watched as Asato kissed his hand."My 'King'..."
Kaname's Room
Kaname was reading one of his many letters in his dark room and only the moon's rays of light shined brightly in the dark room. Kaname let the piece of paper fall to the ground and his hand fell off the love seat.
"If I left you alone,"
"Would you stand there for the rest of the night, Yuki."The brunette heard her brother ask through the door. Yuki quietly opened the door and made her way over to Kaname, only to stop in front of the coffee table that separated them.
"I know you won't punish me, Onii-sama, not unless I would attack your mate."Kaname's eyes glowed crimson before returning back to normal as Yuki bent down and picked up some of te papers on the ground."You've been very depressed lately."Kaname glanced at the paper Yuki held out for him and took it.
"Thank you."
"Kaname onii-sama, since I know you won't take Zero as your mate soon, please take my blood."Yuki pricked her neck and a drop of blood slid down her finger and on to Kaname's cheek, yet Kaname's eyes didn't turn crimson as he stared up at his little sister.
Kaname gently put his hand on Yuki's cheek."You needn't worry about me, Yuki. I am fine."Kaname said as he smeared the blood off his cheek with his thumb.
"Ok..."Yuki mumbled but she didn't sound convinced.
"Takuma, Kaname-sama appears to place considerable trust in you."Takuma stared at his grandfather's back emotionlessly."Continue to serve him well from here on. And keep an eye on him. That is the only reason I am allowing you to stay at this Academy."Asato opened the door but before he could step out, Takuma spoke up.
"Grandfather, you don't understand."Asato turned to look at his grandson."I won't do anything that will harm my friend."
Asato's eyes narrowed."The one who doesn't understand is you. A friendship built on deceptive peace within the confined world of an Academy is nothing but-Cross Academy is peaceful!"Both Ichijo's turned to the doorway to find Zero standing there, frowning.
"Zero-kun?"Takuma said, a bit shocked as to why the young silverette was here.
"Um so the Headmaster said he would like to ask you to donate a lot for the Academy this time around as well..."Zero said before a panicked look appeared on his face."...Uh... hold on, you are actually Takuma-sempai's grandfather, aren't you? We are here to escort you."
"We'll show you the way to the Headmaster's room."Ichiru said as he came to stand behind Zero.
"Very well."
"Ichiou."Kaname said, stopping the older Noble from leaving.
"K-Kaname-sempai..."Zero mumbled while Ichiru frowned.
"I look forward to the day when I shall see you again."Kaname said, smiling.
"As do I."Asato agreed before bowing."Well then..."He turned and walked out the door with Ichiru following him while Zero stood in the doorway of the Moon Dorms.
Kaname watched as Ichiru left with Asato before smiling at Zero."Zero."
"Y-yes?"Zero asked, unable to keep a light blush off his face.
"Thank you for your hard work."
"I-it's nothing!"Zero said before bowing."Thank you so much for yesterday!"Zero looked back up at Kaname with a smile on his face while Kaname's mask shattered, looking at the silverette in confusion."P-Please excuse me!"Zero turned and ran away, following after his brother and Asato.
"And that is why, Ichiru, you are allowed to live...by me because you are Zero's brother."Ichiru's fist clenched on top of the sink.
"Why should this have anything to do with Kuran Kaname..."The door opened and Ichiru looked up to see Zero looking back at him in shock."Can't you knock?"
"Speak for yourself!"Zero cried."You hardly ever knock either!"Zero turned away from him."You should hang your towel on the door. Since the lock is broken and all..."Zero went to grab the handle when he saw that Ichiru's towel was on said handle.
"What exactly does Kuran Kaname want with you?"Zero turned back to Ichiru, who's bangs were covering his eyes, with a look of confusion in his eyes."No, Never mind. Get out already."
"I..."Ichiru turned to look at Zero."I've never thought about offering my blood to Kaname-semapi."
"I see."
"'I see'?"Zero echoed."Weren't you the one who brought it up?"Ichiru looked away."Look here! I have an obligation to supply you with blood, and I intend to do so for as long as I can."Zero growled out, glaring at Ichiru's back."So there's absolutely no way I'd be offering up my blood to everyone like it some sort of great feast!"Zero's eyes softened as he looked down."Although I may seem like an annoying and insistent volunteer to you... Hey, are you listening!?"Zero tried to look up into Ichiru's eyes."We already made up our minds to face the consequences, right?"Ichiru suddenly grabbed Zero's wrists and walked him back into the wall"Now?"Zero asked.
Surprised amethyst looking into cold amethyst eyes which made him slightly shudder. The smaller silverette began to tremble as his twin leaned forward but suddenly, Ichiru pulled away, letting go of his twin's wrists.
"Are you an idiot?"Ichiru asked as Zero's hands fell to his sides."You're the one that's not ready." Ichiru turned away and took of his shirt."Get out."
Suddenly, a towel was thrown at Ichiru's head."I thought you were serious, you jerk!"Ichiru turned to look at Zero, who glared at him."If you ever test me like that again, I'll use Artemis on you!"Zero snapped before slamming the door shut.
The door suddenly opened a few minutes later."Why did Zero run off so angrily?"Ichiru didn't answer."But what a good timing. Kiryu-kun, I have something to tell you."Kaien said, smiling like an idiot.
Headmaster's Office
Kaien slid an envelope over to Ichiru on the desk."You've received an order from te Hunter's Association."Kaien said seriously."You're to hunt down a Level E that has been on a killing rampage. You were nominated for the job."Ichiru picked up the envelope."This is your first job as a Hunter, isn't it? How distasteful."Kaien said, shaking his head."They're testing to see if you can still be of any use as a member of Kiryu Household. I did tell them you'd be fine, though."
"I-I'm sorry, but you have no choice in this matter Kiryu-kun."Kaien said sadly."Also, Kaito will be going with you so that there is evidence that you are reliable."
The Next Day
Zero blinked as he saw Ichiru leave, wearing a brown trench coat, with Kaito, who was also wearing a brown trench coat. Ichiru? Kaito? Zero decided to follow them into town, hoping to not be noticed by either of them. For Ichiru to be skipping class and Kaito to not be teaching... Where could they be going?
"Is this the place?"Senri asked.
"Wait, Senri."Rima said and Senri looked at her."Aren't you worried about getting sunburned without an umbrella to shield yourself?"Senri's eyes widened in realisation.
"Hurry up and settle whatever business you have."Their manger stated."We're going to be late for the photo shoot. And Shiki-kun,"Senri turned to look at her."you get sunburned easily. Have Rima cover you with her umbrella."
Rima turned to her."Eh?"
"Don't forget that you are a professional model."
"Yes, ma'am."Senri answered dully before their manger drove off.
"Why do we have to dispose of an Ex-Human Vampire this early in the morning?"Senri grumbled as they walked towards the abandoned house.
"Because the Senate issued us a warning; 'Don't let the Association beat you to it.'."Rima answered before looking at Senri."The Dorm Vice-President also seemed to be given strict orders by his Grandfather."
"So it's a competition?"
"Evidently, this time the prey succumbed to Level E only recently. He may still have some intelligence left. Well, I doubt it matters anyway."
Senri suddenly came to a stop, causing Rima to stop and they looked at the tree next to them. Zero suddenly came out from behind the tree."The Discipline Committee?"
Zero gasped as he saw them."Shiki-sempai? Toya-sempai?"
Ichiru pulled out his katana and pointed it at the Level E that was holding an unconscious girl in his arms."Who's there?"
"Are you the one who took the lives of four teenage girls?"Ichiru asked coldly while Kaito pointed his gun at the E.
"You shouldn't have done that. You should have just run your blade through me without asking any questions, Hunter-san."The E said, his voice becoming higher by the second."But since you asked me, I will answer your question. That's right. It was me. I can't help it. I just can't get that sensation out of my head."Ichiru gritted his teeth."I doubt you could understand how I feel. The sensation of sinking your fangs into the neck of a girl... Deeply...strongly... the ecstasy that makes me lose all my senses... It's the best!"
Ichiru jumped back as the E suddenly launched itself at him and laughed when Ichiru realised that he had been tricked. The E used this as his time to escape. Kaito tsked and shot at it, only to miss.
Zero, Senri and Rima turned towards the house when they heard a gunshot go off.
"Why are Vampires like this?"
"They're all the same."Kaito answered, noticing the way Ichiru was acting."There's no need to feel any pity for them."
Ichiru nodded."Let's end him."
"What was that?"Senri asked.
"A gunshot? Ichiru!"Zero realised and took off inside only to freeze when he saw a E sitting on the steps. A Vampire?
"Oh... are you a friend and sibling of the Hunters?"The E asked, a wide smile on his face, showing his enlarged fangs. A Level E? "Were you planning on taking my dessert away from me?"Zero pulled out Artemis and held it in an offence position.
Senri walked forward, placing his hand on Zero's head."You're in the way."Senri bit his finger and created a blood whip and swung it at the E who dodged it each time the blood whip came at him. When the dust cleared, they didn't find the E anywhere in sight."Huh? He got away?"
"What are you doing?"Rima asked as she put her umbrella down."Hurry up and finish him."
Senri turned to her."I don't like to play catch."
"Be good and go after him."
Zero suddenly took off, leaving the two Nobles behind. Ichiru and Kaito are also inside these ruins. The silverette came to a stop in a hallway and started to walk slower while looking around cautiously. Just as he was halfway inside the hallway, the ground cracked under him and he fell on his stomach, dropping Artemis, which rolled away from him. Zero turned to see what had caught his leg and his eyes widened as te E came up from the hole it created, smirking at Zero.
"I'm so lucky today. You're my second prey of the day."Zero gasped and tried to reach for Artemis but couldn't reach it."There's nothing to be afraid of. I will be gentle with you."Zero pulled out Bloody Rose and turned around, firing a bullet at the, surprised, E in the shoulder. Another bullet rang out and Zero turned to see Kaito and Ichiru standing there.
"Don't touch him with that filthy hand of yours."Kaito spat."End it, Ichiru. It's your kill."
"Right."Ichiru said, walking pass Zero and looked down at the E.
"You sure got me there."
"This foolish game of catch is over."
Zero sat up and looked at his twin in confusion."Ichiru, what's going on?"
"I received an order... to carry out the duties of a Vampire Hunter."Zero's eyes widened and he gasped at Ichiru, who read out what was said on the paper.
"So this is it? But this way, I won't have to kill anyone anymore."Ichiru's eyes narrowed and he slashed the E across the torso and Zero watched as the E turned to dust.
"Hey, Discipline Committee,Takamiya-sensei,"Rima said as she and Senri, who had a limp girl over his shoulder, appeared."We found a girl lying over there. What should we do with her? She's still alive."
Zero gasped before he got up and walked over to his twin's side, smiling up at him."That girl is safe. And you saved me too. Thanks, Ichiru."
Ichiru stared down at him emotionlessly."You can never betray him."Ichiru's eyes darkened. No one noticed a crow with red eyes outside staring at Kaito, Ichiru and Zero.
Lavender eyes snapped open."I've found Kaito, Zero and Ichiru!"A childish girl voice said and giggled."On my! I really love that sad look in his eyes! I'm so glad he's becoming such a handsome boy while Kaito's grown into such a handsome man with that look of hatred in his eyes."The girl suddenly licked her lips."And then there's Zero-chan...So innocent, naive... I wonder, does he remember me? I hope so!"A crow flew into her out stretched hand."I've decided! I will go to Cross Academy too."