A/N: Hello my little zombies, I have got a couple of very important announcements to make, ahem!

~ Firstly, I will start with the good news; my dad got his results from his op, and they found tumours-BUT they are benign (which means there's a very tiny chance of them turning cancerous later on), so he's not gonna die! (Does a victory dance)

~ Okay, now secondly, this is the bad news, right, y'know in one of my previous chapters I said that my computer crashed, but I had all my stories saved onto a USB stick so everything was fine? Well, that particular USB stick died (apparently it melted on the inside and was totally unusable), so yep, I lost ALL my stories AGAIN, talk about fucking annoying! But don't worry, I plan to finish this off-I WON'T back down!

~ Also thirdly-which is more bad news, I lost a LOT of stories that I was gonna put up on here in the future, so now I'm having to re-think about what I wanna do next. I also lost the next ALMOST completed chapter to 'The Wind Beneath My Wings'-which annoyed my LIKE HELL! So I'm gonna have to re-write that one...eventually...

Anyway! Sorry for this ridiculously LONG introduction, this story may not be updated as frequently cos I'm still trying to pick myself up after losing all my work-most of which I'd been working on for 3 years T_T But thank you all for your patience and enjoy the story! :)

Summary: Tadashii Hoshi, a royal Vampire was in debt to Akatsuki, instead of money, he gave them his granddaughter, begging them to take her away for her safety. Now, 4 years later, Shinko is a subordinate to the criminal organisation, but, something isn't right, as the past of her grandfather and her real parentage catch up to her, who can she turn to for help?

Part Twenty-One: Those Eyes...

Those eyes...

They haunt me even until this day; I remember exactly who he was and what he was.

Hidan must've felt me go tense for he was whispering in my ear, asking me what was wrong, I didn't answer him, I was too preoccupied with the now, my head swirled along with all the thriving bodies and bright lights, the music only a dull thud in my hearing, my eyes remained locked with his and I couldn't suppress the memories that rushed through my mind, making me remember things I'd long since forgotten.

/*\*/*\

Long ago when I was still just a kid, life had been very slow, I had no parents, I didn't even remember them, I only had my grandfather; a royal amongst the Vampire's, he was a very wise Vampire, although he was thousands of years old, he didn't look it.

He was my world, he taught me how to feed, defend myself, read, write, dance, sing, play musical instruments, nurture plants and mannerisms.

I never had any friends to call my own, I was secluded away from all other beings apart from my dinner, Tadashii had wanted to protect me, he thought it reckless to introduce me to Vampire society at such a young age, he knew I wasn't ready and decided to wait until I was old and strong enough.

I was a hybrid, a rare being amongst the world of the dead, half-alive and yet my heart didn't beat, I didn't need to breath or use the bathroom-apart from cleaning myself, time around me had stopped, I was stuck in limbo and longed for another companion; a mate for myself.

Although I was young, I understood my desires, Vampire's are highly-sexed creatures and it made me wonder how Tadashii had managed to prevent himself from taking another mate-even if only temporarily.

My grandfather had said that Vampire's can mate with anyone, even their own family, he told me of many Vampire's that'd taken their brother's, mother's even great-grandfather's as mates and although I didn't see anything wrong with that, I was sceptical to the whole idea.

I'd once asked Tadashii if he would be my mate when I was of age, it was probably a rather reckless thing to do, but this burning desire didn't leave me and I needed release, he seemed reluctant and didn't give me a straight answer, instead he'd replied "Wait until you are old enough to be making those decisions, my dear, only then will you realise just how important it is to find a mate, it needs to be successful sexually and romantically; not all relationships go smoothly, it takes years of work and patience."

Because of this, he began moulding me into an independent being, he didn't want me to rely on anyone else for protection, Tadashii told me that love in the Vampire world is sacred and must not be treated lightly, there were bad blood Vampire's that took advantage of human's, using them for sex before draining them and inevitably killing them.

He wanted me to be brought up right, he wanted to prevent me from straying onto that path, I could even tell at one point that Tadashii wanted me to mate with a Vampire, but looking back now I knew he wanted me to be happy more than anything else, he cared too much for my well-being rather than bloodlines.

But that all changed one night...

/*\*/*\

The night was cold, mist swirled around the Earth in fuzzy clumps making the ground invisible, the night sky held no dark clouds, it was bare, stars shone alongside the bright, pure moon; beautiful.

Leafless trees that were black-as if charred, looked dead and made the environment appear hostile, it rarely rained here, just as rare as the sun would appear, there was nothing in this wasteland; nothing alive that is.

Everything is dead here, frostily so, it's harsh and unloved.

It was in the midst of this harsh reality that seemed detached from the rest of the world that a small figure came running soundlessly through the mist, in its arms it clutched a worn teddy that despite the location-looked very loved.

Electric blue orbs shone through the mist, though there were no prey here to freeze in fear and watch helplessly as their hunter came towards them in great speeds, the figure was that of a girl of about eleven or twelve, she wore a simple black dress with purple and blue flowers decorated all over the rather expensive fabric, white lace hung from the ends of her sleeves, neckline and hem of her dress.

Her pure-white hair flowed free and shone with a light of it's own, every hesitation or so, her hair would rest low around her waist, fluttering in the wind like that of a warped fairy, her skin was as pale as death itself, taking away the innocence of her child-like visage, making her look harsh yet she was very beautiful, like that of a china doll, so inhuman yet natural in her surroundings.

She wasn't gasping for breath, sweat was not rolling down in minute balls down the side of her face, her clothes were not torn from thorns on dead plants, her shoes held no dirt or dust from the dry Earth beneath her feet with which she was running on and her hair was not tangled from the wind that passed by her like a flash of light of a sun peeking through the clouds.

Despite her rather calm exterior, she was in a rush, although it was night, she had been kept inside her grandfather's mansion for too long without explanation as to why, only that it weren't 'safe' enough, though she knew that it was a feeble lie, Werewolves were a worry, but they didn't hover around Vampire territory and stayed more or less in their own.

The girl knew her grandfather would worry, she didn't wish to do so needlessly, but she needed space, air and a view other than the four old walls that hadn't been decorated in the last two hundred years.

Of course she knew to be quiet, she wasn't going to make any noise, she weren't going to run in the wrong direction to Werewolf territory, she wouldn't talk to strangers-nor were she looking for them, she merely wished to sit outside under the moon for a few hours in silence with her teddy, she loved the night-though it could be dangerous, she preferred the moon and stars, the way they shone, though they were silent, they spoke more profoundly than any other living creature.

Stars were often misread, only ever glanced at, outshone by the sun and moon, covered by clouds, they could not shout insults, did not need feeding or protecting, they were harmless as they were beautiful.

She didn't have far to run, she was already a mile or two away from her home, her grandfather could easily catch up to her should he deem wise.

She felt no fear, couldn't hear or smell anything else within her own little haven, she paused underneath a dead tree, she glanced around herself-despite being sure that she hadn't been followed, after which her thoughts were proven correct, she leapt from the ground expertly onto a dead tree branch, she shifted herself along to the trunk of the tree, her legs dangled over the edge and swung backwards and forwards carelessly.

The little girl held her bear close to her chest, though not feeling the cold, she could certainly imagine how cold it would be to other creatures, though she didn't allow herself the 'privilege' to stare at the swirling mist and other lifeless trees surrounding her own; she didn't wish to waste time.

And so, for over an hour, she watched the moon and stars with impressive vigour for one so young.

Lost in her own deep thoughts she'd almost missed the scent of another entering her haven, the smell was of the Earth and some sort of tangy perfume, there were no heartbeat, no sound of footsteps and there were no growls from her usual enemy, which meant...

"Hello, little one, what is it that you do out here alone?"

The little girl stiffened at the silky male voice that cut through the silence like a blade, the wonderful silence that she'd been lounging in, but now she was alert and rather...scared.

She looked round and caught onto another pair of electric blue eyes; she didn't jump, though she was rather surprised to see them there amongst the colourless backdrop.

These eyes did not belong to that of her grandfather, these were more sharp and slightly narrow, but they belonged to that of a God, the girl felt herself grow shy, he was as tall as her grandfather, his hair hung to his shoulders and were a beautiful shade of midnight black, he wore armour similar to that of what her grandfather ceased wearing four years before, deciding to give up that life and go for one more secluded.

His armour consisted mostly of black and silver, the design looked rather intricate, a long cape hung down to his ankles, he was beautiful and when he spoke, his pearly-white teeth almost blinked at her in the moonlight.

But he was a stranger and she was taught to never speak to strangers, despite how compelling their voice may be, how gorgeous their appearance and how strong their body.

She shifted nervously on her branch, clutching the teddy closer to her, fearing this wondrous stranger, knowing that she a Dhampir, there would be no way she could take on an adult Vampire, she lacked the skill, experience and height.

Instead, she looked up at the moon and stars, before looking back at him, his face was now upturned to the dark sky, a faint smile adorned his pale lips, his face turned to her and his smooth words sent a slight shiver down her spine-both of desire and uncertainty "Ah, you come to watch the night sky?"

She answered him with a small nod, not daring to speak, just in case he enchanted her, she'd seen her grandfather do it with his voice and it unnerved her, she was still practising her own gift, but she was no way near the level her grandfather was at.

He smiled at her warmly now, giving away nothing and yet-everything, she was rather unnerved by this though didn't dare read his mind just in case she would uncover some dark thoughts.

"You need not fear me, I am not here to harm you, I am like you; a Dhampir, ah, I see the shock on your face, yes, I must admit that I, myself am surprised to meet another such as myself."

The little girl was shocked; very shocked indeed, she ogled at him without a second thought, not only had she felt shock, she felt betrayal as well, was this man's claim true? Did her grandfather really lie to her? Why?

The little girl felt hurt overcome her, she couldn't believe that her grandfather; her only beacon amidst this bland darkness would lie to her, she felt tears prick at her eyes and she lowered them, turning away from the stranger-which was probably the most reckless thing she could've done-it went against all her training, but she no longer cared, she'd been lied too and it hurt.

She felt a large hand stroke the top of her head in motions that were meant to soothe and her head shot round in shock, seeing the half-Vampire squatted on a branch slightly lower than hers by a few inches, she suddenly noticed his monstrous height towering over her small form, though she tried not to show it she couldn't help but fear this dark, damning beauty.

"Do not cry, little one, I am here, I will help scratch out whatever plagues your troubled mind, tell me, why would your grandfather; Lord Tadashii Hoshi, a great noble, hide the truth from you?"

The girl didn't have an answer, she actually didn't know what to say to that, she could only wonder what he would stand to gain from hiding the truth from her, it was too confusing to a kid such as herself, since she barely knew much of the world apart from darkness and blood.

"I-I don't know..." She finally spoke up, breaking the one promise to her grandfather she'd made, though she felt little shame at learning he'd kept the truth from her, the truth that she weren't the only one of her kind, that there were others, that she weren't a freak and alone.

That she was natural.

He smiled once more at her and stroking her head again, he muttered sensuously "That is alright, little one, one young as yourself should not be expected to know everything of the world, and I am Jarl, (A/N: Is Irish and pronounced as 'Yarl') remaining noble of the Eastern house alongside my two sisters-both of whom are full-bred Vampire's, though I remain the oldest and who are you?"

The little girl felt more than relieved when he took his hand from her head and leaned away from her, giving her space, she blinked then replied "I am Shinko Hoshi; Tadashii is my grandpa, I come from the Southern house."

Jarl gave her a brief nod and smile, seeing this made her feel a little more confident that she smiled a little in return, she didn't wish to appear ill-mannered.

"I know you wonder why I come here, little one, truth is; I search for a mate, I am lonely and long to find an equal, someone that is very much like myself, it has not been easy, but I am sure you know all about that, don't you, little one?" His attention was completely focused on her, Shinko found herself grow excited, she knew what he was hinting at; he wanted her.

In answer, Shinko gave a small nod and murmured "I guess so, but I wouldn't know so much about being lonely, I have my grandpa, but he thinks it unwise to introduce me to other Vampire's, he thinks I'm too young."

"And indeed you are, at least, for many of your grandfather's more bloodthirsty friends, I, on the other hand believe you are more than ready to take a mate and travel the world-in good company of course, alas, I am speaking out of term, forgive me, Lady Shinko, I guess I have not been in decent company for a long while, travelling across many lands and barely finding a worthy companion, I believe I am not using my manners accordingly for someone so young and beautiful."

Never before had she been complimented as she had then, he was being a true gentleman, giving her courtesy, knowing when not to step over the boundaries and he didn't make her feel like a freak amongst pure bloods.

He was exactly like her and...she kinda liked him.

"Thank you...you say you search for a mate, why?" Childish curiosity got the better of her-as usual, but she knew he wouldn't mind, he didn't seem the type to hurt children-unless they were his food.

"Purely for selfish reasons, I want a companion; a wife, I wish to continue my bloodline eventually, but I long to fill this empty void here-" his hand rested upon the place where his heart were "to cure this loneliness and give my love to a deserving Vampire...or preferably half-Vampire."

Her ears pricked at that last part and she quickly replied "That sounds nice, I want a mate, but grandpa says I'm too young, he says I should wait until a proper age; until I know what I want, but I know what I want already, I want a significant other, I also get these strange desires...they make me confused..."

She felt slightly embarrassed for admitting such things, but she knew she couldn't keep it a secret, for he could read minds just like she could.

It was perhaps at this one moment when she felt vulnerable, no other Vampire could read minds, so it'd been guessed it was a half-breed thing.

He gave hearty chuckle that seemed to dance upon the air; it was a pleasant sound.

"That, little one, is called; sexual tension, something which only mates can cure."

Shinko looked at him curiously, he was genuinely nice company, she was no longer afraid of him, his personality was warm and when she did read his mind, she could find no dark or sinister thoughts what so ever, which meant that he was being honest.

He was lonely, just as she sometimes felt.

Gazing up at him, she gained the courage to ask "Would you be my mate?"

And in answer to that; he grinned.

A/N: And there ya have it folks!

Jarl wasn't in the original story, but I really like him, I'm thinking that maybe Shinko should end up with Jarl instead of Hidan, what do you all think?

Cos don't get the wrong impression, there is nothing sinister at all going on with Jarl, he is genuinely a good character, unusual-perhaps, but a rather lonely and thoughtful figure.

Anywho, I guess this chapter made up for the other one, cos I felt that one sucked major giraffe abortions XP lol

Today I'm shouting out a BIG thank you to; 'Aiko of the Akatsuki' and 'watergoddesskasey' for their cheerful reviews :)

Next chapter should be out sometime in the next fortnight or so, perhaps sooner, ya never know with me; I'm unpredictable, haha!