AN: Hey everyone! It's been a while. Sorry for the wait but here's another chapter for you.

Thank you- Lotus-kun, LuanRina, Kaze-chan, cassiejones07, Guests, asanokatsuya10, Sake, Daughter of Trickery, nequam-tenshi, yuzukikuran476 for your amazing reviews.

I haven't had the time to re-read this chapter. There may be a lot of mistakes. Apologies in advance. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you!

Chapter 29: Give Me Your Word

Kaname was walking back to the moon dorm. On the outside, he looked his usual impassive self. There wasn't a flicker of emotion on his face. But on the inside, the pureblood was howling with pain. Kaname broke Zero's heart in the most brutal way possible. Something he absolutely did not want to do; but had no other choice but to do it. And now that Zero was hurting, Kaname felt like his own heart was bleeding out inside his chest. How could he possibly handle such pain? How could anyone? And the fact that Zero would never ever forgive him, increased Kaname's suffering more if that was even possible. But the reality of the situation was, no matter what Kaname Kuran was feeling inside, he absolutely could not show any vulnerability. Specially with Sara around. And he could not afford any wrong move in this game of his that Kaname was playing with the senate, now with Sara as well and most importantly with Rido Kuran. And of course hunter's association was another thing to worry about as well.

Kaname's determination to win and protect everyone he loved and cared about were the only things that was keeping the pureblood strong. And sane as well. Otherwise he'd have lost his mind the minute Kaname saw devastating pain in his Zero's eyes. His? Could he still call Zero his? Yes, Zero Kiryu would always be his whether the hunter was together with him or not. As Kaname would always belong to Zero and no one else. The pureblood would always protect his lover and their precious daughter even if it meant giving up his own life. Speaking of their precious daughter, Kaname halted in his steps as he sensed her presence nearby. Amaya should've been asleep at this hour. What was she doing outside? Could it be that she found out what Kaname did to Zero? But Kaname was certain that Zero didn't meet Amaya before he left academy grounds to go hunt down some level E's. Kaname didn't have to wonder for long as he soon came face to face with Amaya.

Similar pair of eyes looked at each other. Amaya looked so deeply into Kaname's eyes, as if trying to read his mind. And perhaps she did understand something as a look of realization flashed across her face. Amaya's eyes widened for a mere second, before she closed her eyes tightly and sighed out heavily.

"You did it, didn't you?" Amaya asked with a dejected expression on her face.

"You broke Zero's heart."

Kaname was surprised to say the least that Amaya was talking calmly rather than lashing out at him. Or perhaps that was the calm before a deadly storm and Amaya would attack him any moment. And truth to be told, Kaname would let her. He would let her beat him to a pulp if she desired so. That was the least he deserved for what he did. Because he not only broke Zero's heart which was an unforgivable sin in itself but he broke the promise he made to Amaya as well. Not to mention when it was so hard for her to put her trust in him in the first place. It made Kaname more miserable to realize that he had failed his daughter as well. By breaking Zero's heart, he lost Amaya too. Forever. After this if Kaname continued living on, it'd only be to protect his loved ones from afar. He truly had no other reason any more.

"It was for the best" replied Kaname. He offered no other explanation; knowing that it would change nothing. Amaya would still hate him more now. However, what Amaya said next, shocked Kaname to no limits. He never ever expected to hear Amaya say anything like that.

"No, it wasn't the best way. Far from it. But rather it was the only way." Seeing the shocked look on Kaname's face, Amaya inhaled a deep breath before explaining what she meant.

"Hanabusa told me everything." That single sentence explained everything to Kaname and he suddenly felt a little hope that Amaya might understand him. That she might forgive him for what he did.

"I understand that you had to push Zero away to keep him away from Sara. And believe me, I don't want him anywhere near that bitch either. Knowing Zero, he would've tried to help rather than stay away if he was told the truth. But-" Of course there was always a but.

"That doesn't mean I'm any less furious about Zero getting hurt."

"Though this time, I'm hating myself for his pain rather than you. After all you hurt him to protect me." It was evident in Amaya's voice that she really was feeling what she was saying. It shocked Kaname more.

"No, whatever happened, none of it was your fault Amaya. You mustn't hate yourself." Even though Kaname spoke calmly but there was a desperate undertone in his voice that Amaya easily detected. However, that tone didn't affect her.

"No matter what you say right now, it's not gonna change how I feel at the moment. I've let myself become a weakness for both you and Zero. A weakness that your enemies could easily exploit. I was supposed to protect Zero with my life. Not become a reason for him to get hurt." Kaname immediately stopped Amaya there. He had heard enough.

"No, you're wrong Amaya. You are not a weakness for either of us. The truth is you're the best thing that happened to me in a very long time. And I'm sure it's the same for Zero as well. You're not a weakness Amaya. You're our strength. You're the reason I'll defeat all our enemies. And you're also the reason Zero will continue fighting and not go into despair after getting his heart broken." Suddenly silence engulfed the pureblood father and his half breed daughter. The silence only broke when Amaya breathed out loudly.

"It's still my fault for not staying alert about Sara. Specially after what she did to us in the future." Amaya looked straight into Kaname's eyes as she explained what she meant.

"The one responsible for dad's death in the future was Sara. She sent hundreds of her slaved vampires after us as soon as our hiding location was compromised. And even before that she made our lives miserable hell. We were always on the run because of her. Sara wanted the throne for herself that you were sitting on and for some reason she was convinced that Zero was her one way ticket of becoming the vampire queen. She and her puppets chased us around the entire globe for years." Hearing that Kaname closed his eyes and sighed out heavily as if he was guilty.

"It was my fault Sara targeted Zero in the future" said Kaname and yes, he was indeed feeling utterly guilty. Amaya stared at him intently. Waiting for a proper explanation other than just confession.

"It's a memory I received from my future self." Kaname began to explain.

"In the future, Sara had encountered Zero after he and I separated. Soon afterwards, she started spreading rumors about him being the reason I ended my engagement with Yuki. It caused both my supporters and my enemies to go after Zero. I wasted no time in confronting Sara. I was even prepared to put her down. In the end though, I ended up only imprisoning her cause she told me she knew something about Zero that I will never learn. Even though I had suspected her to be bluffing but if there was a chance that she was indeed telling the truth, then I wanted to know what she knew about Zero. Besides, I thought being imprisoned she won't be able to do any harm to Zero." Kaname sighed out heavily again.

"But apparently, I was wrong. Even while imprisoned, Sara had her slave vampires hunt Zero down, which I had no idea about until it was too late."

"That's why I could never find him. Zero wasn't only running away from me. But from Sara's puppets as well."

"Only if I had found him-" Kaname trailed off regretfully. He would've never let anything happen to his Zero.

"Zero wasn't only Sara's means of becoming the queen but also get back her freedom that I took away." Sara's slaved vampires were meant to capture Zero alive though. But he died in order to protect Amaya. Kaname couldn't protect his lover in the future but now, now he'd do everything within his power to make sure Zero and Amaya were safe. Kaname thought his confession would make Amaya hate him even more. That she would look at him with utter loathing. But when Kaname looked into his daughter's eyes, all he saw was rage. Pure cold rage. However, that rage was not directed at him. Thankfully.

"Lord Kuran." Amaya spoke up after a moment of silence. Her voice was strong and full of determination.

"I want you to give me your word." She said.

"I want you to promise me that you will make Sara pay. No matter what you have to do."

"Sara Shirabuki must pay for every bit of pain she caused 'us'." Amaya put more emphasis on 'us'. Did she mean only her and Zero? No, as Kaname looked into her eyes, he realized that 'us' included him as well. Such little a thing but the significance of it was a lot to Kaname Kuran. It not only made him happy but motivated him as well. Yes, he was going to make Sara pay for her crimes. She was going to pay with her life.

"You have my word Amaya." Kaname promised on his life.

"Sara will meet her end soon." Knowing Kaname meant what he said, Amaya nodded her head.

"Zero and I will leave academy as soon as the sun is up. He's already suffering enough. He doesn't need to see you with another woman every single day" said Amaya. Even though having Zero out of his sight would be painful for Kaname but he nodded in understanding. After all given the circumstances, leaving was the best option for Zero. And for Amaya too.

"Where will you go?" Kaname couldn't help but ask. Just in case he wanted to see Zero sometime. Which he definitely would. If not in person then through his familiar.

"That is up to master Yagari. But it'll probably be somewhere I'll be able to train" said Amaya. Hearing that Kaname couldn't help but become a little sad.

"I really wanted to train you myself." He admitted; unhesitatingly showing his disappointment. Amaya sighed out soundlessly. She would never admit it out loud but she too was looking forward to training with Kaname. She too wanted to get to know the pureblood on a more personal level. Specially since Zero fell in love with him and really wanted Amaya to accept Kaname as her father. Obviously it wouldn't have been so easy for Amaya to just accept Kaname as her father but at least she was willing to get to know him better rather than just be acquainted with him.

"I know." Amaya said softly. Showing that she understood his disappointment but not expressing her own.

"Perhaps one day you will be able to train me. But right now, our enemies require your full attention." Amaya said the last part very firmly. Not only Kaname but Amaya too knew that he couldn't afford any mistakes with their enemies. Kaname nodded his head in reply. He would not let his daughter down. Not this time.

"Take care of yourself Amaya. And Zero too." Kaname's voice was calm but Amaya didn't miss to sense the pain in that voice.

"I will." Was the only reply Amaya could give Kaname. She turned around to leave but then stopped and looked over her shoulder.

"Take care of that heart of your lord Kuran" said Amaya and then she smirked and added-

"I wouldn't allow Zero to have it if it's too broken." With that Amaya left. Standing behind, Kaname looked shocked for a moment but then a small smile appeared on his face. Yes, he'd definitely take care of his heart. Because what Amaya said, gave Kaname hope that perhaps, just perhaps things weren't all over between him and Zero. That perhaps one day Zero would want to have the pureblood's heart again that already belonged to him. Till that day, Kaname would have to take good care of his heart and keep it strong. Cause his hunter deserved nothing less.


The sun would be up any minute now. As soon as Zero returned from his hunting escapade, he was asked to pack his bags. No explanation was given to him, just that he and Amaya were leaving the academy along with Toga Yagari. The headmaster had already approved. When Zero asked where they were going and for what reason, no answer was given to him. Only that everything would be explained to him later. Zero wasn't even given a chance to protest. And before the hunter knew it, he along with Amaya and Yagari sensei were on a train. The train's destination was somewhere far away from the academy. Zero had a hunch that this was happening because of Kaname. Did he want Zero to leave the academy? No, Amaya wouldn't have done anything Kaname wanted. Specially after what he did. Then perhaps leaving was Amaya's idea. Obviously she would want to spare her beloved father from any pain. And staying there at the academy and watching Kaname with Sara would've certainly hurt Zero. Amaya was mature like that. Zero couldn't help but smile to himself. Even if nobody loved him or cared about him, he knew that his daughter Amaya always would. No matter what.

"Amaya can you tell me now, where are we going?" Zero asked her for the umpteenth time. He wasn't opposed to leaving the academy. In fact, he was glad that they left. With Sara there, Amaya was in grave danger. Zero simply wanted to know where they were going? What their plan was? Because not knowing was kind of frustrating.

"Nope, it's a surprise dad." Amaya said grinning widely. Zero didn't hesitate to roll his eyes at that.

"Well it better be a good surprise then" said Zero.

"Oh it will be. You'll see" said Amaya confidently. After a moment passed, Zero spoke up again.

"Amaya, I've been meaning to apologize." He said, making Amaya confused. She cocked her head to the side and asked-

"About what?"

"For not listening to you about 'him'." It was difficult for Zero to say even 'him'.

"I should've heed your warning and stay away. Not- not..." Zero couldn't say more but Amaya understood what he wanted to say.

"Not fall in love with him." She finished the sentence for him. Zero visibly flinched hearing that. At this point, the hunter expected to hear a 'I told you so' but that never came. Instead-

"Yes, warning you about Kaname Kuran was a waste of breath for me. It took me some time to realize that whether it's past, present or future, you two are meant to fall for each other." What Amaya said obviously shocked Zero to no limits.

"Huh?" He gaped at the girl. Zero's eyes went wide and mouth hung open. Just what the hell Amaya was saying.

"And I guess, no matter the time, loving each other will always cause you some pain." Amaya said thoughtfully. It seemed to be something unavoidable. Zero on the other hand blinked his eyes couple of times as he gaped at his daughter with utter disbelieve.

"Amaya he was responsible for my parents' death. He destroyed my life. He lied to me when I trusted him. He was only playing with me-" Zero would've said more but Amaya stopped him.

"Dad, do you really believe he was merely playing with you?" She asked. Zero furrowed his brows at her and said-

"Of course he was. Why else would he suddenly go and get engaged to another pureblood?"

"And then he let you find out about his involvement behind Shizuka's escape from her prison. I wonder why? He could've taken that secret to his grave and you would've never found out about it." Amaya stated the obvious which disturbed Zero more.

"Amaya just what are you getting at?" Zero had to ask. He was starting to feel that Amaya knew something he didn't.

"Isn't it obvious? He let you know because he wanted you to hate him." Amaya stated the truth without beating around the bush. Zero frowned in confusion hearing that.

"That's ridiculous. Why would he want that?" Zero would be lying if he said he wasn't curious to know.

"To protect you and- me." Upon saying that, Amaya then proceeded to tell Zero exactly what the situation was. In what position Kaname was in. And why he did what he did. To say that Zero was shocked after learning everything, was a huge understatement.

"The reason I've told you everything is not because I want you to forgive Kaname Kuran. But because I want that if you want to hate him, hate him for something he did in the wrong. But not for something he did to protect us. You may never forgive lord Kuran for what he did in the past. For freeing Shizuka Hio. But I hope that you not hold a grudge against him for getting engaged with Sara. He truly had no other choice." Silence overtook both father and daughter. Zero was breathing in and out heavily. His emotions were overwhelming him. All that he learned was too much for him to handle all on a sudden. Not to mention, he felt utterly torn about how he should feel now? Or what should he do? Zero couldn't just forgive Kaname. After all he was partially responsible for his family getting destroyed. If he hadn't freed Shizuka, Zero's mom, and dad wouldn't have died. He wouldn't have become a vampire.

But then again, wasn't it Ichiru who led Shizuka in their home and then aided her escape after the massacre? He even left with her. Stayed by her side for four years. If Zero was still willing to give his brother a chance after all that, why shouldn't Kaname deserve one? Specially when Kaname had no way of knowing just how far Shizuka would go in taking her revenge. But still it wasn't like Zero had forgiven Ichiru completely for everything he did. And forgiving Kaname wouldn't be easy either. But Zero might be able to give the pureblood a second chance. Now that he knew everything. Now that he knew how ferociously Kaname wanted to protect him and their daughter. But it was gonna take some time. After all Zero needed to sort out some very complicated feelings. Taking time was necessary.

As Zero stayed lost in his own thoughts, Amaya saw a glimmer of hope. Hope that maybe, just maybe the story of Zero and Kaname wouldn't end up in tragedy this time as well. That perhaps there was a happy ending for them after all.


The train stopped at the station. Two silver heads and their black haired sensei got off the train. Zero was looking around as he walked with Amaya and Yagari. He had never been to this place before. Why did Amaya say it was a surprise because so far Zero wasn't surprised at all. If anything he was confused and curious about what they were doing in such a remote area.

"Amaya I thought you said this place is going to be a surprise for me" said Zero. He was done with not knowing what Amaya and Yagari had planned.

"Well this place is no surprise but rather who is staying here" replied Amaya which made Zero more curious.

"Are we meeting someone here? Who is it?" Zero asked anxiously. A part of Zero hoped that it was Kaname. But even he knew that Kaname wouldn't be able to get away from Sara. Besides, it was best if the pureblood didn't show up; for Zero wouldn't know how to behave around him. Not yet.

"He's here." It was Yagari who said that. Both Zero and Amaya looked up and found a handsome young man approaching them. He got soft brown eyes and ash brown hair. Zero's eyes widened seeing the young man. He couldn't believe his own eyes. It was definitely a surprise as Zero had never expected to see him out of all the people.

"Kaito!" Zero exclaimed with disbelieve in his voice.

"It's been a long time Zero." Kaito said to him as he stood before the silverette. Then Kaito turned to Yagari and bowed his head a little.

"Master. I hope you had a trouble free journey."

"Hmm." Was Yagari's only response. Then Kaito averted his eyes to Amaya.

"And she must be Amaya. The one you refused to tell me anything about except for the name until we met face to face."

"We need to have a long talk Kaito. Take us to your place." Yagari ordered to which Kaito nodded. However, Zero protested.

"Master, are you sure?" Was it really a good idea to involve Kaito in their mess? There was a time when Zero would've trusted Kaito with his life. He was like a big brother to him. But that was a long time ago. Zero wasn't sure if Kaito had changed or remained the same. And even if he hadn't changed, who was to say Kaito would easily accept Amaya's unique existence. But then Zero looked at his sensei and Yagari gave him an assured look.

"You can trust Kaito with Amaya's safety. Besides, we need his help" said Yagari. Even Amaya nodded at him, meaning that he should trust Kaito. Zero inhaled a deep breath and exhaled through his mouth.

"Alright, if both of you are sure."

Afterwards, Kaito took them to the place he was staying at. If all went well, very soon Amaya would have a master of her own who would teach her everything she needed to know in order to deal with her enemies; and personally train her as well. Well master Kaito or Kaito sensei definitely had a nice ring to it. Amaya couldn't wait to begin her training. The enemies would strike soon in full force. She needed to become strong in the meantime. Truth to be told, Amaya wasn't worried about Kaito not accepting her or thinking of her as a freak of nature. Because in the future, Kaito was someone who Amaya knew would always protect her. Things may be a little rough this time but Amaya had faith that in the end, Kaito would want to become her master, just as much as she wanted to become his pupil.


Back at the Cross Academy, the atmosphere in the moon dorm was very uncomfortable. And it had been like that since Sara's arrival. Kaname's inner circle was always tensed up. As for Ruka and Hanabusa, both of them were continuously on the verge of exploding. Kaname had to assign them into taking care of Yuki. From the shadows of course. No one was to know what they were up to. The last thing Kaname wanted was for Sara to question him as to why two noble class vampires were playing bodyguards with a human girl. Assigning Ruka and Aidou to watch over Yuki served two purposes. One, it kept them away from Sara. And two, both of them were able to keep Yuki from catching Sara's attention. That certainly would've been troublesome. Besides, it wasn't safe for Yuki to be alone anymore. She was starting to see things. And hear voices in her head. It wouldn't be long now, before she needed to be turned back to her original pureblood self. Having Aidou and Ruka constantly watching over Yuki spared Kaname from worrying too much about her. He had faith in them that if anything were to happen, they would be able to handle the situation until he stepped in.

Besides, Kaname had too much on his plate right now. Too many problems to deal with. It was impossible for him to devote all his attention to Yuki. In fact, one of those problems was sitting right in front of Kaname. The Kuran pureblood was trying to focus on his paper work but it was proving to be very difficult with Sara trying to bore holes into his forehead with her stare. She wasn't even blinking. Kaname tried his best to ignore her stare but gave up in the end. It was literary grating on his nerves.

"What do you want Sara?" Kaname asked calmly. He didn't even stop the pen and continued writing whatever he was writing. It was to show Sara that he was completely unaffected by her dominating presence.

"Another proof that you wouldn't go back on your word about making me your queen." Sara replied smoothly.

"We are already engaged" said Kaname. He still continued writing. It was pissing Sara off but she kept her calm.

"Engagement can be broken." Sara retorted back.

"If you wish to announce a wedding date, go ahead and do it." Kaname said nonchalantly. Sara's fate was already sealed. An announcement of a wedding date wouldn't change that. Kaname would make her pay. No matter what.

"What I want; is for you to put a baby in my womb Kaname. Only then I will believe your intention of making me your queen." Sara didn't hesitate in the slightest as she put forth her demand. If anything there was a smirk playing on her lips. She was very much curious to hear Kaname's reply to her demand.

"Besides, a king needs heirs. Isn't that right love?" Sara said and waited for her fiance's reaction. Kaname on the other hand, stayed just as indifferent as he was before hearing out Sara's demand. It was impossible to tell just by looking at Kaname's face exactly what he was feeling or thinking. Was he furious? Was he feeling cornered? Was he thinking of a way out? Would he kill Sara right then and there? Kaname's face gave nothing away. It was rather disappointing for Sara. She was hoping to see Kaname lose his temper. Shockingly, not only Kaname did not lose his temper, he even offered Sara an impish smile. And then said-

"Yes, you're absolutely right Sara. A king needs heirs." Kaname then stood up from the chair and walked around the desk over to Sara. He put one hand on the back of Sara's chair and the other hand on the desk as he leaned closer to Sara.

"I want heirs too." Kaname whispered into her ear. It was an obvious and bold move of seduction. Kaname leaned back but didn't break eye contact with Sara. Neither he allowed much distance between them.

"So I've no qualms fulfilling your wish" said Kaname without an ounce of insincerity in his voice.

"But-" Kaname said. Sara snorted hearing that 'but'.

"Of course you'll have a condition." She said. Sara was sure the condition would be something hard to accept. Something that would give Kaname an opportunity to deny her demand. But Sara wouldn't let him. She would agree to anything. No matter how difficult or ridiculous the condition may be.

"It's not a condition but a necessary action we both must take. For without that, our child would never come into this world." Kaname spoke with all the seriousness he could muster in his voice. Just as expected, Sara immediately became curious to know what it was.

"What is it?" She asked.

"I need your help with killing Rido Kuran." Kaname gave straight answer. Sara obviously knew who Rido Kuran was. And it wasn't difficult to figure out why Kaname would want him dead.

"Is it because you won't become king as long as he is alive?" Sara asked knowing what the answer would be.

"Which means you won't become queen either as long as he lives" said Kaname. Sara may knew a lot of things but thankfully she was unaware of the fact that Kaname was actually unable to kill Rido himself. And Kaname was going to take full advantage of her lack of knowledge on this matter. Sara thought about it for a moment, then asked-

"What if I decide to side with Rido then?" Kaname smirked hearing that question. He held Sara's chin with his thumb and forefinger and then pressed his lips against hers. Kaname pulled away only to say-

"You won't." He said confidently before claiming the blonde pureblood's lips again. Sara kissed Kaname back this time. Their kiss was wild and full of raw strength. They both were purebloods, so there was no need to hold back. Before long, both of them ended up in Kaname's bed. Naked. Panting. And sweating. In Sara's mind, she definitely won. Kaname had given into her. If keeping him with her meant that she needed to kill Rido; then so be it. Rido Kuran was a rabid dog anyway and didn't deserve being anything, let alone king of the vampire realm. The future king would be Kaname Kuran. No matter what. And Sara would be his queen. Nothing would change that. Nothing. Only if Sara had realized that Kaname may have given into her but he got her tangled in his web as well. A web where her death was inevitable. Unfortunately for Sara, she didn't realize that as she lost herself in the bliss of lovemaking.