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Chapter 25: Drastic Changes Part-I

There had never been so many changes before, not to mention so extreme. Needless to say, a lot had happened in just a few days. First of all, Zero found out about Shizuka Hio and that she was possessing Maria Kurenai. Zero could already sense her presence due to the blood bond and his bite mark was throbbing painfully too. Despite having his suspicion, a part of Zero hoped that it wasn't true. That the woman wasn't still alive. That she hadn't returned into his life. He really hoped for that. But unfortunately it was merely a wishful thinking. Zero was ready to go and confront Maria Kurenai and upon confirming his suspicion, he was ready to kill the said pureblood and finally avenge his family. However, Zero was stopped before he could mindlessly go against a pureblood who he was literary incapable of killing.

Flashback

Zero walked out of the headmaster's house. He was done tutoring Yuki for the upcoming exams. He reached into his jacket pocket just to assure himself that the Bloody Rose was on him. Zero was walking towards the old moon dorm. That was his destination. It was where Maria was residing in currently.

"I wouldn't go there, if I were you" said a voice, Zero knew all too well. The hunter breathed out a sigh of exasperation.

"What are you doing here Kaname?" Zero asked. It wasn't time for his feeding session yet.

"I know you are going to her. And I'm telling you it's useless." Kaname stated, making Zero narrow his eyes at the pureblood.

"You already know it's that woman, don't you? Why didn't you tell me anything before?" Zero asked angrily. Though he didn't really feel betrayed or anything. Zero wasn't a fool enough to think that just because they shared a child together; that Kaname would tell him everything. That he'd share every little secret with him.

"I knew you'd figure it out eventually. You've a bond with her after all. You can feel her presence when no one else can. However, this bond is also the reason you can't do anything against her. I hate it as much as you but the reality is- she is your master. You can't kill her even if you want to."

"So what are you saying? That I should just do nothing. That there's no way for me to avenge my dead family!" Zero exclaimed with rage and anger. Kaname understood Zero's feelings. His need for revenge. But the pureblood also didn't want Zero to get involved with Shizuka. Not when it was unneeded. Not to mention, when Kaname himself could easily take care of everything. Shizuka was someone who was capable of hurting Zero more emotionally than physically. And Kaname really didn't want that. He really wanted to protect the hunter from such pain. Kaname already had plans to deal with Shizuka without getting Zero into any trouble but alas, the hunter couldn't give two shit about his perfect plan.

"I don't care what you say. I don't care if I can kill her or not. I have to face her. That's all I know." Zero said stubbornly. He was so determined to end Shizuka that reasons were lost on him.

"Just stay out of my way Kaname." Saying that Zero left the pureblood. Of course Kaname wasn't just gonna leave Zero alone and let him face Shizuka on his own. He followed the hunter but from the shadows. Kaname didn't want to aggravate Zero too much least he got shot with the Bloody Rose himself.

End Of Flashback

The fight or rather confrontation between Zero and Shizuka went pretty much as expected. Zero realized that he truly was incapable of pulling the trigger of his gun and kill the woman. Yuki had discovered their fight but Kaname took care of it. He erased her memories of ever seeing Zero and Maria fighting. Or the fact that Maria was actually Shizuka Hio. However that wasn't the highlight of that evening. The highlight was Zero discovering the fact that his twin brother was still alive. The brother that he thought was dead. Obviously that clearly wasn't the case. Ichiru Kiryu was not only alive and well but wholeheartedly serving Shizuka as if she was his master. However, there was a second highlight. And that was the encounter between Shizuka and Amaya.

Flashback

As soon as Zero's blood was spilled, Kaname intervened into the fight. He just couldn't stay away any longer.

"That's enough." Kaname said to Shizuka in a very cold tone of voice. Only if she was in her real body. Kaname would've ended her right then and there. But alas there was no point in killing a borrowed body. That'd only kill the real Maria Kurenai, not Shizuka Hio.

"This is my territory Shizuka. If you insist on continuing to torment the students here, I'd have no other choice but to take actions against you." Kaname very much wanted to pull the wounded Zero into his arms and held him close but he refrained himself from doing that. He had no wish to declare it to Shizuka Hio that Zero had now become a weakness for him. Though Kaname wouldn't be surprised if Shizuka suspected it anyway. Purebloods were anything but stupid after all.

Shizuka on the other hand smirked at Kaname. She wasn't gonna argue with the Kuran pureblood though. She was about to end this fight anyway. Her own shoulder was bleeding which needed tending to. The reason she smirked however was because she could clearly smell something in Zero's blood. An ex-human's blood never smelled so sweet. And the fact that Zero hadn't collapsed yet or writhing in hunger even after losing all that blood from his wound, made it all the more obvious that someone was feeding the ex-human on a daily basis. Not to mention someone powerful. Someone pureblood. And Kaname Kuran was the only pureblood around. But why would a pureblood bother to nurture an ex-human? Interesting wasn't it? Shizuka thought so too.

"My my this is an interesting development. Tell me since when have you started taking an interest in my pet Kaname Kuran?" Shizuka asked with a smirk on her lips. Before Kaname could open his mouth to retort, someone else spoke up.

"Zero Is Not A Pet!" Everyone in the room looked up and found Amaya making her way through the door. Kaname tensed up and Zero's eyes widened. Thanks to the pure blood coursing through his veins, Zero was already starting to heal. He should be able to protect Amaya if he needed to.

"Amaya, what are you doing here? Go away!" Zero exclaimed anxiously but he was very blatantly ignored. As if Amaya didn't even hear him. Instead the girl walked up straight to Shizuka Hio. The masked man's posture tensed as he stood beside the female pureblood. He was ready to defend and protect Shizuka at any given moment.

"Zero is no one's pet." Amaya repeated with strong tone of voice.

"He never yielded to you and he never will." Amaya stared at Shizuka and Shizuka stared right back at Amaya. Amaya's gaze was cold and filled with rage whereas Shizuka looked rather impassive. Though it was pretty clear that the female pureblood was curious to know who this girl was who dared to stand up against her.

"And you know what else-" Amaya continued.

"The way Zero wouldn't get to avenge his parents' death by killing you; you won't be able to avenge your dead lover either- by killing HIM." Shizuka knew who was this him that this girl was talking about and it immediately made her glare at the insolent girl. Shizuka narrowed her eyes at Amaya dangerously. Her sole attention was on the girl therefore she missed to see how both Kaname and Zero were ready to pounce on her should she decide to attack Amaya.

"You dare speak so rudely to a pureblood. Do you not love your life child?" Shizuka asked, trying to intimidate Amaya. However, it didn't work as she wanted it to.

"I do" stated Amaya with a frank tone of voice first, but then she smirked and said-

"I just know a weakling like yourself is no threat to my life." Amaya sounded no less arrogant than a pureblood. In that moment, Kaname had to wonder, was that how he sounded like when he was being arrogant? On the other hand, Ichiru who was observing the situation very carefully narrowed his eyes at Amaya. Though no one saw it since the mask was covering half his face, specially his eyes.

"Is that so?" Shizuka asked with cold mirthfulness in her voice.

"If you think I'm weak just because I'm in this body right now then you're nothing but a fool-" Shizuka didn't get to finish what she was saying as Amaya boldly cut her off.

"Sorry for the confusion. Let me clear it up. I didn't mean you're weak because you're in a weak body right now. I meant you're weak as a pureblood. After all you did fail to save your lover from getting killed, right?" Amaya said as she nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders. At that moment, both Kaname and Zero had to wonder- 'was their daughter suicidal?'

"SHUT UP!" Shizuka launched herself at Amaya. Anyone could see this attack coming from miles away. It wasn't shocking at all that the pureblood lost her calm, as well as her mind after what Amaya just said to her. After all it was the worst thing anyone could've ever said to Shizuka.

Kaname and Zero were ready to attack Shizuka and save Amaya from her assault but the hybrid acted before they could make a move. Amaya wasn't baiting Shizuka just for the heck of it. Though it was indeed satisfying. Specially after her pet comment about Zero. Amaya quickly activated a spell that bound Shizuka's body and prevented her from making any movement. It wouldn't have worked if Shizuka was in her real body but since she was in the body of a weak vampire, the binding spell worked smoothly. Ichiru was ready to attack too but he didn't really make a move. Because unlike Shizuka he saw how Kaname and Zero both were behaving. The protectiveness that was emitting from the two of them for this unknown girl was puzzling for the younger Kiryu twin. Just what was going on? Ichiru didn't know. What he did know was that if both Kaname and Zero were ready to protect this girl, he better not attack her. At least not at the moment.

"Pathetic." Amaya commented to aggravate Shizuka more.

"I have no wish to fight you when you are so pitiful. If you really wanna fight me, find me when you're in your real body. Perhaps then you might've a chance." With that Amaya walked away from Shizuka. And as soon as she was out of the door, the binding spell was dissolved. Shizuka had her eyes narrowed and she was glaring at the space quite viciously.

"Ichiru."

"Yes Shizuka?" He asked.

"Retrieve my body." Shizuka gave out the command at once.

On the other hand, both Kaname and Zero were following Amaya. They didn't speak until they were absolutely certain that no one would overhear them.

"What the hell was that Amaya?" Zero yelled out at his daughter, breaking the silence between them in the process. It was clear from his voice that Zero was scared and worried as hell for Amaya.

"Have you lost your mind?!" The hunter exclaimed with shock.

"Calm down dad. We need Shizuka back in her own body. And I'm sure after this, she'd be back in her own body in no time." Amaya said feeling rather proud of herself.

"She'd have gotten back in her own body eventually anyway. Why challenge her like this?" It was Kaname who asked that. As usual, he was way more perspective than anyone else. Amaya sighed out heavily before speaking up.

"Because the memories I got from dad in the future showed me that it was you who actually killed Shizuka, but dad was the one who was accused of the murder. And while you did defend him against the vampire council's attacks but you never really let the truth come out since that wouldn't have been convenient for you, but it did cause quite a lot of trouble for dad."

"That's why, I'm not gonna let Zero be a scapegoat this time as well." Amaya spoke firmly with no room for argument.

"Amaya." Zero whispered out her name and looked at her affectionately. But there was worry swirling in his beautiful lilac eyes as well. What great deed did he do to deserve Amaya in his life? But damn his daughter was gonna be the death of him one day; the way she made him worry for her.

"I had no intention of harming Zero in anyway or let him be a scapegoat." Kaname stated firmly. He was speaking the absolute truth which surprised both Zero and Amaya.

"I'd rather the council suspect me than Zero." The pureblood said. Once again he wasn't lying at all. It kind of touched Zero's heart but he expressed nothing.

"Well then, I'm glad we're on the same page here" said Amaya enthusiastically as she continued further.

"Look, I know Shizuka Hio needs to die. I understand that you need her power. And that you're the only one who can actually kill her. But instead of murdering her secretly, if you kill her in an act of defense, or even better in an act of protecting someone innocent- of course there has to be a lot of witnesses for that. Anyway, if everything goes according to plan, there won't be any murder inquiry from the council. There'd be no suspect. Not to mention you could use this opportunity to perfect your image more in the vampire society. It'd be like killing three birds with one stone."

"Is it even possible to pull off something like that?" Zero asked with a lot of uncertainty in his voice. He looked at Kaname. The pureblood was deep in his thoughts.

"Of course it is. I do have a plan, you know." Amaya said confidently.

"What do you have in mind?" Kaname asked with utmost interest and curiosity.

End Of Flashback

To say the least, Amaya's plan was anything but simple. It was very complicated and involved many risks. One wrong move and everything could not only fall apart but backfire as well. Make the situation worse in the process. Naturally Zero had problems with half the things in the plan. But surprisingly, yet not so surprisingly Kaname was supporting Amaya almost in everything regarding this plan. Therefore more than often Zero found himself out numbered in an argument. For a father and daughter who were not close at all, and had a lot of issues between them that were yet to resolve, Kaname and Amaya worked rather well together. Especially when they were scheming and plotting someone else's downfall. Amaya really was Kaname Kuran's daughter in that aspect. Honestly, Zero didn't know what to think about it. He had mixed feelings about this.

On one hand, he was glad that since Kaname and Amaya worked so well together, that they would eventually find some common grounds to bond over with each other. But on the other hand, Zero really couldn't appreciate Amaya inheriting Kaname's manipulative side. He wished sometimes that she was dumb and oblivious like Yuki. But then again, Zero loved Amaya just as she was and didn't wish to change anything about her. Not a single damn thing. So yeah, Zero was full of contradictions and mixed feelings now. It was no different when it came to Kaname as well. The father of his daughter. Nowadays, the hunter would think things about the pureblood that he never thought he'd ever think about. Zero wanted to place the entire blame on Kaname. That the pureblood was somehow forcing him to have such thoughts. But thinking of Kaname's beauty, especially about the softness of his lips during an exam couldn't be the pureblood's fault. No matter how much Zero wished that somehow it was. But no, it was his own rotten mind's fault that loved fantasizing about Kaname Kuran nowadays. Frankly Zero was horrified at the things his own god damned mind conjured up.

Anyway, it was the night before the dance that things got a little interesting and intense at the same time. Zero finally had to face his younger brother. Many things were revealed to him that night. How being weak fostered a darkness within Ichiru. How he stopped caring about their parents and how he started hating his brother Zero for pitying him and showing him kindness. How his loneliness was eating at him. Ichiru also revealed that it was him who had asked Shizuka to keep Zero alive so that the hunter would suffer. Ichiru wanted Zero to feel the same pain, he himself felt since they were born. Ichiru did indeed let Zero know a lot of things about their past but letting Zero know the truth wasn't the only reason the younger twin was having this conversation with his older brother. There were things Ichiru wanted to know too from Zero.

Flashback

"A lot have happened in my life since we parted Zero and I can tell, your life has been interesting as well. So tell me brother, why is a pureblood who is a Kuran and the president of the night class is so protective of you? You're supposed to hate all vampires, yet you are fraternizing with him." Ichiru asked while smirking at Zero. But then his smirk dropped abruptly as he asked-

"And who was that insolent girl who dared insult Shizuka?" Ichiru was most curious to know about her. He already knew the girl's name, 'Amaya'. But he knew nothing about what sort of relation she had with Zero. Were they close friends like Yuki and Zero were? No, somehow it was different. He could tell. Zero was only ever protective of him in such a ferocious way. Only this time Zero's protectiveness seemed way stronger.

"Don't you dare say anything about Amaya. I will not tolerate it Ichiru. I'm warning you. As for what is going on between me and Kaname, well that's none of your business." Zero said while fuming angrily at his twin brother. Just when did Ichiru become so heartless and cold? Was it Shizuka's influence or was he always like that and he never noticed? Zero closed his eyes and inhaled a deep breath to calm himself down first before speaking up again.

"I've already given you my answer. I will never go with you. I will never serve Shizuka." Zero said firmly while glaring at his twin. Then for a moment, his gaze softened a little.

"I understand that you hated me. I stole your strength and made you weak. I would've gladly accepted any punishment from you. But instead of only punishing me, you got our parents killed." At the mention of their parents' death, Zero's eyes hardened again.

"That's why Ichiru, it's not me who needs to seek your forgiveness anymore. It's you who is in need of forgiveness. And I may forgive you too if you stop slaving yourself to that woman. It's still not too late brother." With that Zero walked away from Ichiru. The younger twin kept glaring at his brother's retreating path. Oh how he wanted Zero to suffer.

"He still loves you a lot." Suddenly a voice spoke up from right behind Ichiru. The twin would've jumped up startled, if he wasn't used to having vampires sneak up on him. As Ichiru turned around he came face to face with the very person he was so curious about. In fact he was more curious after Zero's recent reaction to his inquiry. Ichiru hadn't expected to come across Amaya though. Not that it was an unwanted turn of events. Ichiru wanted answers. And who better than Amaya herself to answer all his questions about her.

"He truly has such a kind heart." Amaya said more to herself than to Ichiru. Then she focused her gaze on him.

"Truth to be told, if I were him, I'd have never forgiven you or given you a chance to redeem yourself." Amaya said bluntly but she meant what she said. Ichiru narrowed his eyes at Amaya.

"Just who the hell are you?" The male silverette asked impatiently.

"Wouldn't you like to know." Amaya retorted back sarcastically.

"Obviously Zero doesn't want you to know anything about me. And he's right in not wanting that. After what you did, what right do you have to know anything about what is going on in Zero's life? Despite being his twin, you're no longer a part of him Ichiru Kiryu." This last comment hit Ichiru in a very wrong way. He glared murderously at Amaya. Just who did she think she was.

"I will always be a part of Zero. I'm his other half." Ichiru stated with enraged voice. There was certain amount of possessiveness in it as well.

"You're wrong." Amaya said calmly yet firmly.

"Maybe you were his other half once. Yes, there was certainly a time when you were his most important person and he'd have done anything for you. But news flash- that place is already taken by someone else. Now, that someone else is most important to Zero."

"And who that person would be?" Ichiru asked darkly yet with curiosity.

"Me of course. Amaya Kiryu." Amaya answered with a shrug of her shoulders as if it was the most obvious thing. Ichiru's reaction to this revelation was as expected. First he was shocked a little, and then he was confused to no limits.

"Kiryu? How can you be a Kiryu?" This time Ichiru demand a straight answer. No beating around the bush.

"I'm a Kiryu because I'm Zero Kiryu's daughter." Amaya answered honestly but obviously Ichiru couldn't believe such a thing.

"What nonsense! Tell me the truth. Who the hell are you really?"

"I just told you the truth. Whether you believe it or not it's up to you. I'm not gonna bother myself with proving anything to you. In fact the only reason I'm letting you know about me is because I want you to understand something-"

"And what is it exactly that you want me to understand?" Ichiru asked. He was obviously still not believing the ridiculous claim the girl just made.

"That no matter where you go or who you're with, no one can make you feel complete. No one other than Zero." To say that Ichiru was stumped to hear that was a great understatement.

"After all that's what you truly want, to feel whole, isn't that right uncle Ichiru?" Amaya said with a slight smirk on her lips. She knew she was right. Even if Ichiru denied it. And denied he did. It took a moment for him to recover from his shocked state but once he did, Ichiru snapped at Amaya.

"Again saying such nonsense. Just what game are you playing with me?" Amaya raised an eyebrow at Ichiru at his accusation. She seemed somewhat amused at her uncle's reaction.

"Are you in denial of this truth? No, you're a smart guy. Someone like you ought to know what they truly want. That means you're just refusing to admit it to me. In that case, don't bother with it. I mean I'm from the future. I already know things that you couldn't possibly imagine." Ichiru felt like losing his mind hearing this. He didn't even bother to hide his shock. He openly gaped at Amaya.

"Oh that's right, you didn't know I'm from the future" said Amaya with surprised tone of voice that was heavily laced with sarcasm. Clearly she was thoroughly enjoying Ichiru's shocked face.

"Oh well, now you know."

"I must say time traveling is a wonderful thing."

"You are actually serious, aren't you?" Ichiru asked, still feeling a little stunned and a little dizzy in his head. After all heavy bombs were dropped on him one after another. Feeling a little dizzy was perfectly justified. Anyway, he decided to consider Amaya's claims to be true because logically speaking, why would anyone say such unbelievable lies. Just to mess up with him? This girl could've said thousand other things to achieve that rather than claiming herself to be Zero's daughter and that she came from the future. Besides, now that Ichiru properly looked at Amaya, he could clearly see the resemblance between her and Zero. And with himself as well since he and Zero were twins. Duh!

"Glad that you finally realize that uncle" said Amaya with a crooked smile. She didn't tell Ichiru about Kaname being her other father though. She figured that that would be too much for her uncle to handle at the moment. So instead she took their conversation in a different direction.

"You know I've never met you. You died way before I was born. But dad talked about you many times. He mostly told me about your childhood though. How close you were to each other. Dad always spoke about you with love in his voice. But also with sadness. At first I didn't know why though. I thought it was because you were dead. But then I learned how you hurt him. How you wanted, well WANT him to suffer. How much you hate him. Honestly, I don't know what to feel about you. Because the one thing that I hate the most is my dad getting hurt. For that I should hate you without any question. But then again you're someone who is very dear to him. You might enjoy watching Zero in pain but he never wants you to suffer." Hence, Amaya's attempt to change Ichiru's heart. Though she was aware it wouldn't happen overnight. It'd take time. A lot of time. Also if Amaya could give Kaname a chance then why not Ichiru too. It was only fair in Amaya's mind.

"Just where are you going with this?" Ichiru asked, already losing his patience. He didn't want to hear about Zero's feelings. Specially from his supposed niece from the future. And the fact that he was dead even before this so called niece was born was also very troubling for Ichiru. Just what the hell happened?

"Shizuka is going to die." Amaya stated loud and clear. And without any guilt or hesitation in her voice.

"There's no changing that no matter what you do." She continued.

"Even if you go running to her and tell her this, her death won't be averted. And you know very well why it won't. Because deep down Shizuka doesn't really want to live. The only reason she's still walking this earth is because she seeks revenge against the one who wronged her." Ichiru didn't argue or say anything for that matter. What could he possibly say, knowing what Amaya was saying was absolutely true. Shizuka did wish to die in the end after taking her revenge. Ichiru knew that even he wouldn't be able to stop it, stop her. He wasn't a good enough reason for Shizuka to live on. And it saddened the hunter twin oh so terribly.

"If you truly wish to do something for Shizuka uncle Ichiru then help me bring down the one who ruined her. I want that monster destroyed just as much as Shizuka, if not more." Finally, Amaya let her true intention known for having this conversation with Ichiru.

"Rido Kuran." Ichiru uttered the name in a whisper. Of course he knew. Shizuka had told him all about her real enemy. The enemy of all the purebloods.

"If you do this uncle Ichiru, not only you'd be doing something truly meaningful for Shizuka but you'd also get to fill that hole in your heart that only Zero can fill. This I promise you." Amaya gave Ichiru her word. Though she knew her uncle wouldn't trust her so quickly or easily. It was no problem though. She was ready to wait and be patient. The air was suddenly becoming very thick and intense. So in order to lightened the mood, Amaya said-

"And of course, you'd get to have your adorable niece no longer hate you as a bonus." She grinned impishly at her uncle. Ichiru couldn't help but smirk back a little. Afterwards a moment of silence passed between them before Amaya spoke up again.

"Think about what I said uncle Ichiru. Good night." Saying that the female silverette walked off. Ichiru stood still for a while longer, then he whispered to himself-

"Niece huh? Who would've thought..." He trailed off with a light smirk on his lips. And then he walked away as well.

End Of Flashback

It was difficult to say yet what would Ichiru chose to do or what he was thinking in his head. He obviously warned Shizuka and made her aware that her life was in danger in the academy. He even pleaded her to leave this place. But Shizuka only kissed his cheek in response and walked away without saying a single word. However, that gesture told Ichiru all he needed to know. That he had no way of saving Shizuka. It made Ichiru cry. It made him scream. He wanted to blame Zero for this. But even he knew Zero was not to blame here. Shizuka wanted to die herself. Ichiru wished that all these years he spent with Shizuka, he was able to fill that void in her heart that her dead lover left behind. But he failed. Miserably so. Amaya was right after all. If Ichiru truly wanted to do something for Shizuka then it would be fulfilling her revenge against Rido Kuran.

Tomorrow night was the dance. Whereas the oblivious students of the academy would be enjoying themselves and have a great time together, Shizuka Hio's fate would be sealed forever. Ichiru didn't wish to witness Shizuka's death. But as agonizing as that would be, he decided to stick around. Ichiru never left Shizuka's side for these past four years. He wasn't about to do that in her last moments in this world. Even if it killed him, he'd stay by her side. Perhaps this was his punishment for what he did. And his only wish was that the one (Rido) truly responsible for causing Shizuka so much pain would suffer much greater punishment for what he did.