Ren-sama's Note:

Thank you for the wonderful reviews as always, everyone~! I also thank those whose names were already very familiar to me! Thank you for always leaving a review in every chapter! You know who you are! ᶺoᶺ

Anyways, the next chapter is here!

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Chapter 29

Zero woke up feeling a little more than lightheaded. He felt like he had a fever but he knew it was something else. It felt like the time when his power wanted to get out of his body but also knew that it was something else this time. It was something bigger, something more deadly and more painful.

"Zero, there's nothing wrong with you… That feeling you have is because of the fact that your hunter blood is waging another war with your vampire blood. And I believe… your vampire blood is winning."

He could still hear Kaname's soft but cool voice as the latter whispered those very words in his ear. He fisted his fingers on his shirt as he felt the nerve-wracking pain that shot out throughout his chest up to his head. He felt like his head and his heart would be cracked open. He wanted to scream in pain but vaguely remembered that he was in the Moon Dorm, not to mention he was currently on his way to eat dinner… no, breakfast. He felt so hungry somehow and he thought that eating might ease a little of the pain his body was in right now.

"Good morning, Kiryuu-sama. Um, are you alright..?" An unknown voice greeted him from behind.

Zero, despite the pain continuously racking his system, knew by instinct to appear cool and composed in front of the vampire as if nothing was wrong.

He turned his head over his shoulder and greeted the vampire as well. "Good morning." He didn't need to address the vampire's question too. It was obvious that he was fine only from the way he stood straightly in front of the other male. The vampire blinked and bowed before walking past him. Zero waited for another minute before he started walking again, this time more careful of his surrounding than earlier.

As he wandered the long hallway of the third floor and descended down the stairs to the second floor, he came up with a rather lonely thought. Was Kaname always like that..? The pureblood was taught on how to act in front of other vampires, especially in front of his subordinates. No one should be aware whether he was hurting or not since it could be very dangerous if someone were to use that opportunity to harm him more. He also mustn't expose his weaknesses, or any other negative trait, in front of anyone to protect his pride and dignity as a pureblood. That meant that even if the pureblood was in pain or sadness, no one would actually notice anything… No one would come and comfort him… No one… There was no one he could rely on… to wipe away the pain and sadness for him…

"Ah, Kiryuu… sama." Zero wore his usual scowl the moment he heard the voice.

"What do you want, Aido..?" He said as he descended the stairs down to the first floor. What greeted him were the rather grim faces of the noble vampires in the living room. He felt his heart immediately filled with dread as he readied for another end-of-the-world news. His eyes immediately searched for the pureblood among the noble sitting together in the couches, but didn't find him anywhere. Fortunately, he felt Kaname's presence in the kitchen. It eased the dread in his heart. However, there was a strange smell in the atmosphere that he couldn't put his nose on. That made his eyebrows furrow even more.

"Kaname-sama is in the kitchen, if you're looking for him." Aido merely voiced.

He narrowed his eyes at Aido, scrutinizing the blonde for anything suspicious, but the noble vampire gave nothing away. The hunter sighed to himself as he walked past the blonde.

"Kiryuu, I mean, Zero-sama, you should pray before you eat breakfast." Zero's head turned to the direction of Kain's voice. The redhead looked very serious so the hunter seriously doubted that the former was messing with him. And Kain wasn't the type to tease people. So what the hell did he mean by 'pray before you eat'?

"Akatsuki! You should get punished for your rudeness!" Aido's booming voice made Zero turn to the blonde. He was in pain, it was early in the morning for him, and he just had an annoying nightmare. Could Aido get any louder?

He walked past them all and entered the kitchen, frown getting deeper because of the foul smell of burnt things.

"Kaname, what are you doing?" Zero asked when he saw Kaname in an apron trying his best not to destroy the kitchen while he burned foods here and there. The hunter felt the other nobles follow him, although they didn't sit at the table yet. The dining hall was near the kitchen and they didn't know if they would be eating breakfast in the dining hall together with vampires of lesser nobilities as usual or if they would eat in the kitchen for a change.

"You looked like you're in so much pain in your sleep so I want to at least ease a little of it by making a breakfast for you… personally…" Kaname gave Zero an apologetic smile. "I didn't think you'd wake up so early. I still wasn't able to cook anything decent." His grip on his apron was tight because he didn't want to keep fidgeting in front of his lover, and especially in front of his subjects. That act, however, didn't escape Zero's observant nature.

Kaname wanted to help Zero in any way he could. Of course, there was always sex. But aside from that, he couldn't think of anything to do to help Zero anymore… except prepare some breakfast-in-bed for him. But it didn't turn out well… not to mention that Zero already woke up even before he could prepare anything.

Zero's scowl got deeper as he slowly tried to assess the situation. A nervous and apologetic Kaname in an apron together with burnt foods on the huge table… a messy kitchen and Kain's comment about breakfast… So Kaname was trying to cook breakfast for him… And he was pretty damn sure that it was the first time the pureblood ever tried anything close to cooking, if the worried faces of the cooks standing on the sideline were any indication. Not to mention the grim faces of the noble vampires. They must've thought it preposterous for a pureblood to even try doing something only lower vampires would do.

Zero could also see that the degree of burns those foods got was at least ten times worse than the burns his enemies got from his fire ability. Burnt charcoal which was somehow similar to rice, burnt egg-looking thing, burnt stuff with the same size as sausages, and other black things could be seen on the plates.

Kaname traced Zero's line of vision and saw that the hunter was looking at the burnt foods on the table. He slightly blushed, despite himself, and immediately hurried up. "Wait just a little bit until the cooks can prepare something for you, Zero. They're about to start now." He took the plates filled with burnt stuff and was about to throw it away when he felt a strong grip on his arm. The act made Kaname turn around and he saw Zero scowling at him.

"Wasn't that food for me?" The hunter voiced. "Why are you throwing it away?"

Kaname, as well as the other vampires, looked surprised. The pureblood's eyebrows creased. "Zero, these are failures. I haven't done anything worth eating yet." He actually wanted to redo everything. But since Zero was already awake, and most likely hungry, it would be better if the cooks were to cook for him instead. However, Zero's next words somehow surprised him.

"It's fine. I'm already hungry." Zero said as he snatched the plate from the pureblood's hand and sat at the table. He took a fork and poked the stuff before he pierced some of it and without further ado stuffed it inside his mouth.

Kaname's eyes widened in panic, Zero's sudden action put him out of his daze. "Zero! You'll get stomachache if you eat that!" He tried to get the plate from Zero's grasp again but the hunter glared at him. Zero merely yawned, still a little sleepy, before he started eating everything without a change of expression.

Takuma and the others couldn't help but smile at the sweet scene before them. They could see that Kaname was nervous about the disastrous meal he made but Zero was eating everything one by one without grimacing. He was actually wearing his usual poker face and eating casually, as if he's not putting some really dangerous things inside his mouth.

They were actually more than just surprised when they heard directly from Kaname's mouth that the pureblood wanted to prepare Zero's breakfast for the day. They were aghast and dumbfounded, not knowing what has gotten into Kaname's mind all of a sudden. Of course, under any other circumstances, they would've been thrilled and excited that their leader would cook. Aido would've done anything just to have a taste of Kaname's cooking. But they knew Kaname too well. And Kami knew the pureblood could create substances for world destruction just by being in the kitchen for an hour.

They tried all sorts of explanation just so Kaname would stop – even saying that the cooks were enough. But the pureblood insisted that he would be the one to cook Zero's meal for breakfast.

And so, they could only sigh and hope that Zero wouldn't be his usual self – the one who always said what he thought without care to the feelings of others. But the hunter was more than what they gave him credit for. He was actually able to tolerate the taste which not even they could do.

After a while, the cooks finished some decent meals and the nobles started eating as well. Aido wanted to give Zero some of his food but he thought that it might offend their leader. He knew that if he was in Zero's position, he would definitely eat everything Kaname made too. And so he kept his silence.

Takuma smiled to himself as he watched Kaname's touched expression. The once aloof and untouchable pureblood, the cool and collected leader, the powerful Kuran… nervous at the sight of his lover eating his personally made meal. The blonde wanted to grin and tease Kaname about it but he knew that the pureblood was more worried and nervous than he was letting on.

Kaname was overwhelmed at Zero's action since not even Yuuki could tolerate his cooking. He wanted to hug and kiss the hunter so much but he remained frozen in his position as he watched Zero and the others ate. He didn't want to eat a decent meal while his lover suffered his cooked breakfast. He wanted to just watch Zero…

Kain could only sigh to himself at Zero's stubbornness. Although he knew that Kaname was upset that he couldn't cook anything decent for his lover, Zero actually eating it was even more insane than the pureblood cooking in the kitchen. But he knew too that if ever he was in Zero's shoes and his lover was in the same distress, he would surely eat everything too… up to the tiniest bit. It wouldn't bother him no matter how horrible it tastes or how much his stomach aches later… Simply because his lover gave his all for it… just for him…

Ruka smiled as well and in her mind gave the hunter two thumbs up.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"You didn't have to do that." Zero turned his head over his shoulder when he heard Kaname's voice from behind, already aware of the pureblood's presence even before Kaname spoke.

The hunter was currently sitting beside the lake. The quiet rustling of leaves as well as the sweet scent of blue roses somehow felt very calming at the moment. Not to mention the moon reflected on the surface of the water made the surrounding even more serene.

"It tasted fine." Zero answered, knowing full well what the pureblood was pertaining to.

"Zero…" Kaname's voice was so close to the hunter's ear when the name was uttered. And before Zero knew it, Kaname was already hugging him from behind. "Thank you." The pureblood voiced softly just as he leaned his forehead on the hunter's shoulder.

"I should be the one to thank you." Zero sighed in comfort at the warm embrace. "You're worried enough to want to cook for me." He chuckled a bit at the end of his statement, making Kaname chuckle as well.

"It didn't turn out well though…" Kaname pointed out, although all worries and nervousness gone from his voice now. He was more amused now than tensed, making Zero grin as well. The hunter was just glad that Kaname couldn't see his face from behind or it would be embarrassing.

The two of them stayed in that position for a while, just quietly listening to the sounds of crickets in the forest as well as the sound of each other's heartbeats… inhaling the sweet fragrance of the flowers as well as the intoxicating scent of each other's blood… feeling the coldness of the night and yet also feeling one another's warmth from beneath the clothing… If only things would stay like that forever…

Both of them knew that the serene environment that they have now was almost destroyed just the night before. And the same scene would most likely happen again in the future. They both knew that they should get ready for the upcoming battle.

"Zero…" Kaname's voice was very quiet and Zero felt that it was pained. "Let's promise each other."

"Promise what?" He asked, feeling how Kaname's hold on him tightened.

"Let's promise to each other that we will return to this place together again after everything… and have a repeat of this moment…" Of this quiet and blissful moment…

Zero closed his eyes when he heard the words. He felt that the statement sounded so sad and unsure. "Sure. Let's do that." He voiced with more confidence than he really felt.

Both of them didn't know what would happen in the near future or how things would turn out if they finally see Ichiru again. But as of now, their bond was making their blood call out to one another that it somehow felt so hard to breathe because of too much longing… so painful, so sad, and yet so unmistakably… comforting… knowing that the two of them were connected by something deeper than mere exchange of words…

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

It was nighttime outside and all students of the Day Class were asleep but none of the Night Class students were in class.

Right now, all the nobles were in the private chamber of Moon Dorm only reserved for Kaname's most trusted subordinates. However, just for this night, there were people exempted from that rule. The presence of two other hunters aside from Zero could be felt in the room, namely Kaien and Yuzuru's presences. Yuuki was in the room too, just sitting in between the two said hunters in one couch. Kaname and Zero sat on the couch across them while the two other couches adjacent to the first two were occupied by the other noble vampires. Aido, Kain and Ruka sat on the left couch while Takuma, Shiki, and Rima sat on the last one. As usual, Seiren was present too – standing just behind Kaname – but no one could feel her presence except perhaps Kaname, Kaien, and maybe Zero.

All of the room's occupants wore a serious expression and the air felt intensely suffocating. And the meeting hasn't even started yet.

"Everyone," Kaname's cool voice as well as his composed and aloof air made them all turn to him. "I called you all here today because of the current state of things."

"Yes, I believe that everything should come to light now." Kaien spoke, seriousness thick in his voice which was very unusual for him. He wasn't the childish father that Yuuki was used to seeing but the legendary hunter that everyone feared and revered. "The attack of the Level Es and Ds the other night as well as the sudden disappearances of many hunters… I firmly believe that it has a connection."

"Not only that, Yagari-sensei called me earlier." Yuzuru voiced, actually not at all inclined to share information but he would do so for Yuuki and Zero's sake. "He said that many of these hunters suddenly received stand-alone missions to exterminate… noble vampires. These hunters are currently part of the missing people." The noble vampires suddenly glared at him just as he glared back at them. But that didn't stop him from speaking. "Not to mention that many other noble and C class vampires are also disappearing in different parts of the country."

"This is merely a hypothesis, but the fact that so many people are missing and suddenly there's an alarming rise in the number of Level Ds and Es… I think we should know by now where these people are." Takuma explained. "Although that hypothesis doesn't at all explain anything about the missing noble and lower class vampires…"

"I made Seiren investigate about these things as well as the sudden attack of the Level Es here." Kaname voiced coolly. "It seems someone from the Council is giving false information to the Association, making the hunters go into a suicide mission." Yuzuru glared at Kaname because of that. He knew the Council and all its members were rotten. But then his eyes darted to Zero and met the hunter's cool gaze. Yuzuru couldn't help but sigh. Leave it to Zero to berate him for thinking badly of Kaname even without actually speaking.

"It can't just be anyone from the Council." Zero spoke for the first time. "I know full well that the Association doesn't trust information from unknown sources." He then looked at Kaien now, both of them knowing full well who was most suited for that. His uncle's gaze was filled with determination and coldness, but behind that gaze was pain and sadness. And Zero knew he was mirroring Kaien's expression very well.

"Yes, it can't just be anyone." Kaname ascertained. "This person has to be powerful enough to gain information from the Council and give information to the Association or vice versa. It has to be someone influential enough to gain both sides' trust. And yet intelligent enough to formulate complex plans and give out complex orders. Someone who can make lesser vampires and other noble vampires obey. Someone who knows the Association from the inside out..."

Zero closed his eyes. He didn't want to say it. He couldn't. He knew there was no way Kaien would speak that name as well. He was glad when Kaname continued.

"I can only think of one person who fits that picture very well." The pureblood voiced. "But before that, I need Seiren to give the detailed report on her investigation." And it was just now that everyone noticed Seiren standing behind the pureblood.

She bowed briefly to both Kaname and Zero, as well as to Kaien, before she spoke. "There have been many reports about missing hunters and noble vampires. The result of the investigation states that the Association gives special stand-alone missions to eradicate noble and even pureblood vampires even though it is prohibited by the treaty between the Hunter's Association and the Vampire Council. Likewise, many hunters receive letters from unknown vampires threatening them on an all-out war."

Everyone was quiet but the tension in the air had gotten thick because of the information she reported. Even Yuzuru looked confused as to why the Association would break such treaty when it was made so that there wouldn't be another war between the two races. Zero, on the other hand, was more confused as to how these occurrences have anything to do with Ichiru. He knew that his brother was very influential simply basing from how he made even the proud pureblood Rido Kuran move according to his wishes. But to think that he could create this much damage alone was unnatural. He'd like to think that there's something deeper going on in the shadows that they weren't aware of yet.

And so Seiren continued. "The attack the other night, according to investigation, was very well-planned. The strategy was very unlike how a Level E would think. To corner the Night Class students, attack the Sun Dorm so that the Prefects will be very busy to even help out the Night Class, overwhelm us with sheer numbers, bring panic because of the synchronized movements, and cause as much damage as possible are something an intelligent creature would think of. Because of this, it is much presumed that those Level Es attacked due to someone's command. The fact that they did not listen well to the command of another pureblood only affirms that the one behind the attack was also another pureblood of Kaname-sama's level."

"About that, I believe that the one who gives them command was the same person who has caused a lot of trouble for Zero in the past." Kaname voiced coolly. "I believe the reason why your blood was awakened is because of that same tactic, am I right?" He asked as he looked at Zero for confirmation. The hunter nodded his head as he wore a very serious look. "That same kind of attack was already experienced by Zero and the others many times in the past. It was also connected to some of the missions given to Zero in the past few months. It was no doubt connected to Rido Kuran and also to one other person."

Kaien also chose that time to speak. "It means that even before we knew of their intention, they were already on to us… Or rather, on to Zero-kun. Among all of us here, he's the first person to experience that kind of synchronized attack. It also points out to the fact that someone is already observing us all throughout the time when Zero-kun first entered the Academy."

"Does that mean they actually… want Kir–Zero-sama killed?" Aido asked. "That means that everything up until now was only to get him?" He looked at Zero then and looked at Takuma. He remembered Takuma saying Zero should be protected more than Yuuki. He mused if that was actually because of all of this. "But why would they want him? I thought no one knew of his lineage?" He could feel his worry intensifying even though he kept telling himself that Zero would be fine because he was strong.

"We do not know yet if it's indeed Zero-sama they want. But it is safe to assume that he is a very big part of their plan." Seiren continued her report. "Also, it seems that the same kind of Level E tactic was used against many other hunters during the past few weeks, causing them huge disadvantage in missions. The same goes for noble vampires who hunt Level Es. They feel like they are up against hunters instead of instinct-driven vampires. It was the same as how we felt when we were attacked the other night."

"That attack the other night, I believe someone from the inside is connected to them." Zero voiced. Everyone immediately looked at him, some in confusion and some in surprise.

"Do you mind explaining it, Zero-sama?" Takuma asked, though he could already think of some explanation himself. Kaname and Kaien also looked like they already knew this very well based from their creased eyebrows.

Zero sighed. He never really liked being the center of attention. But this is the only contribution he could have so he might as well say it. "The Chairman as well as the Night Class vampires should know very well that there is a hunter charm in the walls surrounding Cross Academy." And some of the vampires nodded, understanding slowly dawning upon their expressions. "There should be no vampire other than the Night Class students who can enter the Academy without invitation or permission. But those Level Es and Ds had so easily managed to break the gate and enter in hoard. Not to mention they seem to know where to go from there too. I believe someone from the inside is giving them information and is also in their league."

"You mean there is a spy inside the school?" Kaname asked, smirking as he looked at Zero directly. The hunter immediately glared at him.

"I did not mean myself." He voiced with a growl. Kaname chuckled a little, feeling a little refreshed to finally be able to tease Zero a little.

"I know. I was just joking." Kaname said with an innocent expression, earning a deep scowl from Zero. The hunter knew that Kaname was probably just trying to ease a little of the tension in the air. But that didn't mean the pureblood could just tease him like that, especially in front of Kaien and Yuzuru. It was embarrassing. But aside from that, the tension and anxiety that were building up quite nicely inside him had vanished with that single tease.

"But there are no other vampires here aside from the Night Class." Yuuki said. "That must mean it was either a member of the Night Class… or someone from the Day Class has allied himself with vampires…" She still could not fully understand the gravity of the situation but she knew it must be so dire if even Kaname was willing to work with the hunters to solve everything. Not to mention the fact that Yuzuru came to the meeting even though he often commented on how absurd it was for vampires and humans to study in the same school.

"Yuuki has a point." Yuzuru voiced, earning quiet growls from the vampires on either side of him. "Don't glare at me. You should know very well what I mean." He added as he too glared at them in return.

"I know what you mean." Aido said with a sharp glare at Yuzuru's direction. "But there is no way someone from the Night Class will betray Kaname-sama."

"We might be a little disobedient to Kaname-sama's wishes but we will never betray him." Kain added seriously. "All the vampires here are loyal to Kaname-sama and to Kaname-sama only."

Yuuki looked down. She didn't actually mean it like that. And also, she was the one who said it so there's no reason for the vampires to get angry at Yuzuru. Her lover just seconded her opinion. Kaname sighed as the other nobles were starting to create a fuss over the comment. Yuzuru didn't back down either because he knew that the point they were making was valid.

"Stop arguing. It's annoying." And everyone turned quiet. All of them looked at Zero as the latter said those words. It was a mere comment on the hunter's part so he actually didn't think they would obey. He was more than surprised.

However, they were also surprised not because they were willing to obey the hunter but because they were forced to. Aido and the others actually stared at Zero with wide, disbelieving eyes. It's as if their vocal chords had ceased functioning properly just from hearing those words. It wasn't even a proper command… It meant that if the hunter really willed it, he could make puppets out of them and they wouldn't be able to do anything against him… They were glad Zero was not their enemy.

The pureblood silently grinned at his lover's display of superiority and power. It was marvelous… Yuzuru and Kaien were also quite surprised but they kept their comments to themselves. Zero, on the other hand, was not aware of the effect of his words to the lower level vampires.

Upon Kaname's signal, Seiren had once again continued. "I've also investigated the Council and the Association these past few weeks." She looked at Zero and the two other hunters awkwardly then. "I apologize for the information I'm about to say." She bowed a little to Kaien and Yuzuru while she bowed deeply to Zero.

The three hunters looked at one another before Kaien received the signal of permission from his two kouhai. He was the one who spoke. "It's okay. Tell us everything."

Seiren nodded in return before she spoke again. "According to investigation, the Association has begun underground transactions with the Council and vice versa. These transactions are very illegal and punishable under the peace treaty. These include the Association's training of the Level Es to be hunter-like in order for them to be used in combats more efficiently. This is punishable under the law that all Level Es should be exterminated by both hunters and vampires to preserve secrecy between two races. In return for the favor, the Council allows the Association to detain lower class nobles in order to experiment on them. It is so that they can have stronger ammunitions against Level Es and other vampires."

Everyone was either staring at her in shock right now or outwardly gaping at her as she reported everything without any slip of expression on her face. No one talked for a while as she let the information sink in. Or rather, everybody was just too shocked to even voice out anything at the moment. Something so horrifying and outright appalling was happening right before them and they didn't even know it. Even Kaname couldn't mask the surprise in his feature.

"I am a member of the Council but I did not know that such things are happening." The pureblood commented. He needed to go to the Council immediately right after the meeting to confirm the state of things.

Seiren bowed to him shortly before she spoke. "Yes, Kaname-sama. It is not known by the Council members in general so there wasn't anyone who could've refused the proposal. The ones in league with the Association are few in numbers. These same vampires are under the leadership of the purebloods Ichiru Shiryuu-sama and the late Rido Kuran-sama."

The names were said in such a deadpanned manner that Zero didn't even have the time to flinch as the information was slapped against his face. Cross's expression looked like he was grieving someone's death. Even Yuzuru and Yuuki could only console Kaien silently.

"It seems everything is connecting now." Zero's voice was cool and cold, so unlike how he felt deep inside. "In the end, it all comes down to my brother."

Everyone looked at him with either shock or confusion on their faces. At least until Aido voiced out loud, "Your brother is alive!?"

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Where are you going?" Zero asked Kaname silently as they both stood in front of the Moon Dorm's gate. The meeting was finished an hour ago and everyone was already in their respective rooms, contemplating about everything they learned and everything they needed to do. The sun was also about to rise.

Kaname gave him a small smile. "I'm going to the Council. I need to personally investigate things. And also, I need to ascertain whose side the other members are on."

Zero was worried but he chose to simply exhale and feel Kaname's quiet but powerful aura. "You better not let your guard down, not even for a moment."

"Yes, Zero-sama." Kaname teased before he chuckled at his lover's aghast reaction. "I'm going now then." He took a step forward and gave one small kiss on the hunter's closed lips before he left in vampire speed.

Zero could only blink at the sudden affectionate gesture, not even having the time to react to it before Kaname disappeared in front of him. He's definitely more than just worried. But it was Kaname he was talking about. The pureblood was powerful and intelligent. He'd definitely be fine… He sighed once again and stood there for some more minutes before he finally went back to his room.

Now, if only… he could do something about his own situation…

Ichiru was his brother and he knew he was involved in everything that's happening more than anyone. He would soon need to settle things with his younger twin once and for all. He wanted to talk to Ichiru, no, needed to. The brother that he knew wouldn't have thought of such a grand wicked plan just to get rid of him. Or maybe… he just really didn't know his brother well… But even so, in the deepest part of his heart, he hoped that there was a valid reason for whatever Ichiru was doing right now. And he also hoped it was rational enough… because hurting innocent people and risking the lives of other vampires was never a result of a good motive… "Ichiru…"

He was also both a hunter and a vampire, although he was leaning more on the latter now. He needed to assess himself and weigh where his loyalty really was. As Kaname once told him, not all vampires were evil just as not all hunters were good. He must decide things on his own and not worry Kaname any further.

He closed his eyes as he lay on his bed once again. He was actually more than a little surprised to find Kaname in an apron earlier too. And although he wanted to laugh, which was not his nature, the situation didn't call for it. His lover looked so worried and so nervous that he actually felt touched. Zero let out a small smile while reminiscing things. Leave it to Kaname to make him so out of it that he even forgot his head was aching madly just some seconds ago before entering the kitchen…

"I must…" Zero voiced softly to himself. "…see for myself what's really happening." His eyes remained closed for a long time but slumber never took over his senses. He remained as wide awake as he was when he woke up during breakfast. Although the throbbing of his temple had somehow dulled out a bit, it was still annoying him.

And then his eyes opened. "Why didn't I think of that?" He immediately sat up and took his phone. He remembered receiving it as a gift from Kaien for his birthday. He dialed an all-too-familiar number before he talked to the person on the other side. He was glad the person picked up right away.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"And? Why did you suddenly call me so early in the morning just to make me come here in this godforsaken land?" Zero could see his master's glare even though he was looking directly at his milk.

A few hours before, he called Yagari and asked if he could come and see his old student. He was thankful that his Master didn't have mission or he would have been out of reach. He took his time thinking, still lying on the bed, while waiting for the hour when the train boarded by Yagari would arrive. He had decided that Cross Academy was not a safe place to meet up anymore because of the probability of a spy so he settled on meeting up at a local pub some kilometers away from the town itself. He was glad his master was good at direction or the man wouldn't have found their meeting place at all.

He wanted to savor their first time meeting in ages, but… Oh well…

The main event comes next…

"I want to talk to you about many things, Master." Zero started just as he directed his gaze at his master's eye.

With that, Yagari sighed just as he took his cigarette and lit a stick. He put it in his mouth and inhaled deeply before he let all the smoke out with a much louder sigh. "Cross already told me many things too – starting from the fact that you're dating some fucking pureblood... and that you're now madly in love with him… going to a mission together with a noble vampire, for Kami's sake… and that Yuzuru, that huge idiot, is even going out with that pureblood's younger sister even though I already told him all about her… and that you ran into Rido Kuran and got him killed in another mission… and also the fact that some Level E trashes have managed to infiltrate the Academy… among others. I thought my ears would fall off every time he'd call me." And he blew another puff of smoke into the air at the end of his sentence.

Zero was readying for his speech when he heard the words. He didn't think Yagari would be the one to open up everything he wanted to talk about all in one huge chunk. "Master… well, first, about Kaname and I–"

"I don't want to hear about it." Yagari glared at him. "You think Cross have not yet lectured me about him about a thousand times before?" Zero closed his mouth then. Talking to Yagari was always harder than talking to Yuzuru because his master was ten times more stubborn than his senpai. "If that's what all you'll talk about, then there's no point on me being here. You should've just told me on the phone."

"Fine." Zero said in a tone harsher than he intended. He wanted to explain about his relationship with Kaname in a way that Yagari could understand. He wanted, in a way, to get Yagari's approval about it. But the man was being too difficult. And he had to admit, his Master was right. "I believe there's a spy in the Academy… aside from me – a spy who continuously works in the shadow even now. Also, I want to know what's going on in the Headquarters."

"First, I have no idea if ever the Association sent another spy aside from you." Yagari's eyes sharpened as his gaze turned deadly. "And second, why would I purposefully tell a vampire about what's going on inside the Association?"

Zero really thought it was a good idea to finally ask Yagari about everything. But as things were progressing, it seemed his master was on his period again. He knew that was just how Yagari talked of vampires in general. But he felt like he was slapped really hard just now. He clenched his fists tightly as he tried to calm himself again. "…You're right. A hunter will never tell anything useful to a vampire. I should've known." And then he stood up from his seat. "Well, it was just a try anyway. Good day to you, Master." And he really considered leaving the man in the pub then and there.

"Where do you think you're going, brat?" Yagari's glare hardened but Zero wanted to defy him directly just this once.

"I'll go to the Headquarters." Zero answered coldly. "It might be easier to get information there." And without another word, he walked out of the pub and into the blinding light of the midday sun. It did not improve his mood. If ever, the bristling heat only made it worse.

"Since when did he become such a moody girl?" Yagari voiced just as he put money on the table. He then went out, black trench coat and all, into the blaring heat of the roadside. Zero was nowhere to be found. "That idiot." He sighed as he finished his smoke before he took out his phone. He needed to scold a student today.

Zero was still fuming as he walked down the busy streets of the city. It's true that he acted a little out of turn earlier and that he was more on edge than usual. But he couldn't help it. He's really worried about everything that's happening. He's worried about Kaname. He's worried that his brother had become his enemy. He's worried about the welfare of his newly-found friends in Cross Academy. He's worried about the state of things in the Association. He's worried–

He growled when his phone suddenly rang. But before he could even bring it out, his eyes narrowed when he felt the unmistakable hunter presence in the vicinity. It's not his master. He calmed himself down as he voiced coldly, "What do you want?"

Two hunters appeared behind him, cloaked in black hood and complete with hunter equipments. He could sense their hostility and he knew their intention wasn't good. He could still hear his phone ringing but he didn't dare answer it, knowing full well that it was Yagari. It might create conflict between his master and the Association if they learned that Yagari was having private conversations with him. Instead, he pressed the button to turn off his phone without looking too guilty.

"Zero Kiryuu," one of the hunters voiced. "Come with us." And they both disappeared in the throngs of busy passersby, cloaks swishing behind them as they walked in their quiet and graceful hunter speed.

Zero inhaled deeply. He knew there's a huge chance that they were going to lead him into a trap. But for now, he had no choice but to follow them.

He arched an eyebrow at the fact that they were surely leading him towards the abandoned church once again. The roads and sidewalks they were passing by made him assume as much. Have they no other place to go to besides that old, crumbling church..?

After a while, the two cloaked hunters stopped in the middle of the abandoned mass of stones and pillars, at least some meters in front of the church. Zero arrived just a few seconds after them. The hunter didn't need to hurry up in his footsteps since he was merely following them. He didn't want to arrive at the place first and then get cornered like a rat in case some other hunters were waiting for him. But to his relief and confusion, there was no other presence in the vicinity aside from the two hunters in front of him.

He stood proudly in front of them, waiting for them to speak first. He didn't need to be ashamed of his state anymore because he knew now that he was originally a vampire. He was not at all converted into one due to his weakness.

"Zero Kiryuu, we see clearly that you seem to have finally accepted the fact that you have fallen low among all of us." One of them spoke. His voice was guttural and low. It seemed they misunderstood his action as acceptance of his fate.

"Don't take me for a fool." Zero almost growled out the words. "I know for sure what really happened so don't even try to think of this as my fault. Everything that's happening now, or even what had happened in the past ten years, is the Association's doing." He readied himself for battle just to be certain, in case they suddenly decided to attack him for badmouthing the Association like that.

And yet, they remained motionless as they gazed upon him, their faces hidden by their black cloaks. Their supposed frightening outfit greatly weakened by the fact that it was in the middle of the day, even if the place itself was spooky.

"I see that you've finally realized you're not at all a Level D." The other one voiced. This hunter's voice sounded a lot younger than the first hunter. "Or rather, was it your legendary uncle who said all those things to you? Do you really think you can trust him that much?"

Zero glared at them both. They sounded like they were mocking him. He fisted his hands and voiced his thought without any inhibition. "I don't merely think it. I know for certain that I can trust him with my life. After all, my uncle is a hundred times more trustworthy than the hunters in front of me or even the Association in general." He let every syllable come out as mocking as possible.

One of the hunters seemed to have lost his cool and was on the verge of attacking Zero, but the other one gripped his companion's arm and stopped him. It seemed they knew full well that attacking the teen now would only result in their demise. Even the Elite Force dealt with purebloods with numbers on their side. Two hunters could not possibly do anything if he were to really fight them seriously.

"The fact that both of you seem aware that I'm not a Level D, I'm guessing you're one of those who know about my past." Zero voiced calmly. As much as he wanted to get back at them for scorning him and Kaien, he was still a little careful in dealing with them. He knew they would not ask him to come to this place if they didn't have anything important to tell him.

"Yes, we do know your true lineage." One of the hunters claimed. "You know full well that you are the son of the wandering pureblood Shiro Kiryuu." And then, he slowly removed his hood, revealing a hunter Zero knew as one of the Elite Force's older members. The hunter seemed to be in his late forties, seemingly older than Yagari himself due to the prominent wrinkles on his forehead. And yet, despite his age, his eyes were as sharp as the Elite that he was. Zero knew the man only by face and not at all by name, but he also knew that the man was one of those who could be truly frightening in a fight. "Allow me to introduce myself." The old man said. "I am from the Association's Elite Force. Everyone calls me Kyou-san."

The other one also took off his hood, his eyes glaring at Zero with deep hatred and disgust. The teen's breath hitched at the sight of the male, although he still managed to control his surprise. The hunter was Rey Hirako's older brother. "It's good to see you so alive and well, Zero-kun…" and then the hunter's eyes flashed in anger. "…after you've killed my younger brother!"

Zero gritted his teeth. He remembered that mission. It was that mission when he met Rido for the first time. Hirako was one of his companions in the mission and also someone who died even though he was in the same room. Hirako was a comrade he was not able to save…

"Shin, we are not here to discuss that." Kyou said with a reprimanding voice. Shin quieted down but his glare did not cease.

"You are truly a wondrous sight, Kiryuu, just like how your father had been." Kyou uttered with a little chuckle, as if he wasn't just telling Zero earlier that the teen had fallen low. "He was amazing too, in all kinds of way."

Zero didn't answer. There was no need to. He knew that his father was amazing but the way Kyou said it was still annoying. He didn't want to unnecessarily rile himself up so he didn't retort.

"His father was amazing, fine. There was no need to compliment the dead." Shin said, as if he even knew who Zero's father was. "And besides, that doesn't mean that the son is amazing too."

"You don't seem to realize, Shin, that what you're looking at right now is the rarest among the rarest species. His blood is indeed powerful enough to make him appear as pure, even though he is only half." Kyou voiced, as if he wasn't talking about Zero as a person but as something of a display. It made the teen's glare harden. "Born of a pureblood father and a hunter mother who was turned into a Level D before his birth… just how rare could that be?"

"Is this all you want to say to me?" Zero was finally getting so annoyed that he wanted to simply leave the place, all consequences be damned. "If this is all the reason why you asked me to come here, then I believe–"

"Surely you want to know more about yourself?" Kyou interrupted him. "Or rather, surely you want to know more of what's happening right now? Both in the Association and in the Council..?" Zero inwardly stiffened. So that's the trap.

"What do you really want?" He almost growled out the words. He was so annoyed he's sure to snap soon if they didn't stop making him feel like a fool.

"Calm down, Zero-kun." Shin voiced this time. He seemed a lot calmer than earlier but his hatred was still very much prominent. "If we wanted to simply talk about this nonsense, then we should have just mailed you instead of coming all the way here."

Kyou brought something out of his cloak's inner pocket and threw it towards Zero's direction in a mere second. The teen seized it without taking his eyes off the two hunters. From the flat shape and rough texture, the hunter was sure it was a letter. Slowly, his eyes fell down towards the thing he was holding. It was a black envelope… His eyes widened a little in surprise. Why would they entrust him with a black envelope..? It's supposed to be a secret mission...

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.tbc.

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Ren-sama's Note:

Yup, this is it for now, everyone~! Sorry for the cliffhanger! I'll try to update as fast I as could so please wait patiently until next time! And also, please review~! ᶺoᶺ