o o o
Yuki-chan,
I really don't know how to write these things. It's been ages since I sat down to put my thoughts together, here goes.
I heard about the attack in Kurashiki. How are you holding up? I swore to protect you, but I hate I can't be there. I haven't stopped thinking about you. We've been moving between the east and the west. The Tomas are nearby, we can sense them. Every now and then we find humans drained of blood. It sounds gory but it is our best bet at locating them. Most of our troops left Matsuda and reside here. We might stay here for some time, long after the west has been rebuilt and Lord Toma is found.
I do miss you. I'm afraid the longer I stay, I won't remember your face. Keep me in your thoughts. Stay safe until I get there.
-Hanabusa
o o o
Haruka slumped drearily, large dark circles ringed his eyes. His pale visage and thin frame draped the red chair in a lanky and forlorn manner. Yuki brewed blood tablets in the water and held it to his lips. He pushed it away but she did not let him proceed further. With an insistent nudge, she helped him finish the contents. Yuki was about to slit her wrist but he stopped her instantly.
"Your seizures won't stop," Haruka panted, "I can't let you relapse."
"I can't see you like this." She countered.
"Neither can I." A soft voice interrupted from the foyer.
In a large white cloak, a slender petite held the doorway. Burgundy hair drizzled magnificently down her shoulders and chest. Juuri regarded father and daughter in a glance. She moved into the living area in silent and graceful steps.
Haruka's eyes doubled from fatigue. "I'm hallucinating."
"Me too." Yuki blinked at the supernally gorgeous pureblood.
"I heard what you've been doing and I came to tell you it's utter suicide, Haruka." Juuri chided the trembling lord. She turned toward Yuki, who staggered silently at Juuri's sudden appearance. "Yuki, don't worry. I won't let anything happen to him. He will have my blood. It will help him recuperate faster."
"No," Haruka dizzily shook his head, shooing, "No, just go."
Yuki clasped his hands. "You need blood, you've given too much. If you don't drink from her, you'll have to drink from me."
"Stop it both of you." Haruka moaned, "I can't."
Yuki untangled his hands and allowed Juuri to kneel in front of Haruka. The pureblood brushed his perspiring forehead with the back of her hand. It did make sense she was there to support him in the bleakest of times. Blood supply was meager and humans were dying by the minute. The gap needed to be filled somehow. If her father didn't rest and have his fill, he would not last. She stepped aside to give them privacy. Juuri cut her wrist and held it against his vacant lips patiently.
She couldn't guess how Juuri wandered into Kurashiki under the dismal current events but the fortification must've recognized she was a pureblood from the palace and let her through. Or Kaname helped her to Haruka. Or with the recent dangers, she couldn't sit on her hands and came to aid. Or the mere idea of Haruka passed out from lack of blood terrified Juuri. All of the scenarios were plausible.
Haruka drank thirstily and silently, each slurp gave him life. He fell unconscious from the luxurious flavor. Juuri covered him in a blanket and sat by his leg, watching over him concernedly. Yuki placed a cup of tea on the table.
"Thank you for helping him." Yuki bowed her head deeply, "He hasn't rested in weeks and constantly worries about the townspeople."
Hovering over him, Juuri smiled dotingly. "Haruka is a true noble. The court heard about his deeds. My blood is the only blood he has taken after his parents. He will be fine, Yuki, I promise."
Yuki nodded and turned to leave.
Juuri called out to her faintly. "Won't you sit with me for a bit?"
Hesitantly, Yuki sat down. "Does Ouji know you're here?"
"No," Juuri answered. "No one from the palace does. Everyone is occupied by Lord Toma." She reached for the tea. Her gaze danced over Yuki's healthy face, small shoulders, and figure. "You look well. I take it Kaname has been giving you blood."
She hadn't slipped into spasms of hunger in over four months. Yet she hadn't clung to his throat like a beast either. She was not defeated or anguished compared to moving back to Kurashiki. She used to be in tumultuous agony over escaping from the Toma camp and the reality of never seeing Kaname again. It wouldn't mean much after time passed. Little did she understand no manner of time could unravel the blood bond that hankered to keep him close. The night she left the palace in chase of freedom from the pureblood, she hadn't experienced the level of pain in her life. Lately, Kaname wound his way around her off and on and the pain lessened effectively. Did he somehow know?
" 'I have an idea, but I'm not ready to share it.' "
Yuki regarded the pureblood leaning over her father. Juuri left her prison to provide him sustenance. So many years later and their blood bond continued to impact their choices. "I read blood bonds takes away a person's willpower," Yuki said aloud. "And Blood Summon takes a pureblood's power. Nowhere does it state a blood bond causes unbearable physical pain. Why do I have unusual symptoms?"
Juuri licked her lips neatly. "The symptoms you hint are occasional, not rare." She answered softly. "Kaien told me you have seizures and can't sleep."
"It's under remission but I can't tell for how long," Yuki admitted.
Juuri nodded at her tea, "In an extreme case blood bond does take away a person's willpower. Originally it was how servants were created. If the person doesn't have control over his or herself, they'll do anything to please the blood provider. Your father and I shared a blood bond prior to a Blood Summon. If he wanted, he could order me, and I wouldn't resist him if I tried."
Yuki stared at his sleeping profile. "All these years and he chose not to summon you for an explanation."
"Haruka is stubborn." Juuri confessed shyly, "He wanted to respect my choice for leaving. I also didn't want to him feel the repercussions of our distance. I ingest a numbing poison to suppress my emotions. When you drink from a pureblood, you don't only take in their memories but their feelings as well. Their sadness, loneliness, happiness, and love. If I didn't numb myself, Haruka would feel the torturous moments I lived without you two." Tears spurted down her cheeks. She wiped her eyes against her sleeves. "Sorry, Yuki. I didn't mean to-"
"No, it's okay," Yuki murmured in a deep haze.
Juuri forced a smile. "I didn't want Haruka to feel those things. It translates differently from person to person. He is gentle, heavy emotions will depress him."
Yuki clenched a hand on her chest. "I had spasms after I left the palace secretly. The year in the Toma camp, all I knew was pain. I didn't even register as a person to them. The night I returned to Kurashiki, the pain was back. You and my father have love. What do Ouji and I have?" She closed her stinging eyes.
"Yuki," Juuri whispered.
She opened tearful eyes slowly.
"Love isn't meant to be judged, it's best embraced as it is. Like the wind, the rain and the sun." Juuri murmured. "It is meant to be experienced exactly as it is, in its own place. Your father and I will always remember our love. If Haruka knew how much I missed you, he'd succumb to seizures. Blood bond does not turn painful if there is no love in it."
Yuki hugged her torso and hunched over her knees, gaping at the floor under her socks.
"I was afraid of my love, so I ran away. I had to believe you were better off. If I were to stop drinking the numbing poison, Haruka will be exposed to my anguish. I can't cause more pain than I have."
"Stop it," Yuki whispered, her red eyes imbued with understanding. Juuri's lips quivered as tears rolled down her chin. "You don't need to feel shame any longer. Father managed to raise me as best as he could. None of us are meant to be perfect. If you didn't love him, you wouldn't be here. If he truly forgot you, your place would've gone to another person but he hasn't opened his heart to anyone. In his own way, he's still trying to come to terms with losing you and failing to support you when you were afraid."
Juuri sniffed at her lap. "Thank you, Yuki."
Yuki lowered her arms and sat up, "I have to go on an assignment in a few days, not sure how long I'll be gone." She glanced at her father worriedly. "Can you stay with him?"
Juuri stiffened, astonished. "You want me to watch him?"
"Unless you have to return to your fiancé."
"Fiancé?" Juuri chuckled, "I was advised to marry a pureblood and start a new life. Somehow I can't seem to move forward." Juuri eagerly reverted to Haruka, "I will stay with him for as long as you need. I won't leave his side."
Relief wrung the tightness in Yuki's chest free, she relaxed and smiled. "Thank you. He might not like it at first, but he'll get used to it. I figure the best person to pull him through hard times is the person who understands his heart. I'm sure if you tried again, he'll definitely open his heart to you."
Juuri stood up and knelt in front of Yuki, gathering her hands tearfully. "You really believe that, Yuki?"
She peered into her ruby hopeful eyes. More and more tears dripped onto their folded hands. "Look around us, death is everywhere in light of Lord Toma's antics. As long as we are alive, it's not too late."
Juuri sobbed and pressed their hands to her cheek.
o o o
Lord Toma examined the Light of Heaven shimmering in his grip. The dragon insignia glowed hot and pulsed beneath his fingers. A fissure of white light contorted from contact, and a soft vibration emitted, coursing through his veins. He could feel the supreme, clear surge of energy itching under his skin. Lord Toma flexed the arm grasping the weapon and pointed to a samurai. Hot white light glinted at the individual, shooting out into webs of fire and pulverized the samurai before his eyes. His eyes widened in sadistic greed at the result.
"My lord," The Toma samurai on his left trembled at the impact of the magnificent sword, "How could the king relinquish the Light of Heaven easily?"
Lord Toma smirked victoriously. "He knows to obey me or I will torture his people."
"So it seems," The Toma samurai contemplated the response. He glanced at the malevolent grin snaking on the lord's lips, "But are we really not attacking the village by the border?"
Lord Toma rotated his wrist and watched the magical weapon sheath itself in his bones. The light vanished and his hand remained weapon-free within seconds. He regarded the troops appended in midair. "What do you think?" He chortled. "I don't see a better excuse for attacking the border. I have the ultimate weapon. Nothing can stop me." He glared at the expectant troops, five thousand lined amidst the clouds. "Go down and unleash disaster. Show him what the Tomas are capable of."
o o o
Ichiru examined the liquor supply in the storage room. He took note of aging barrels, the open ones, and the ones that did not sell. A moment later, he entered the main tavern where Yuki was mid-conversation with the owner.
"She sent another letter," Yuki offered the paper containing Ruka's scent, "She is safe and doing okay. She plans to go to Kyoto next."
"Kyoto is the last place for her to be." Lord Souen grumbled as he scanned the letter.
"If I run into her, I will advise her to stay somewhere quiet. While I'm gone, Ichiru will watch over the tavern."
"I was considering closing down temporarily with all that's happening." Lord Souen vocalized his despondence, "The townsfolk are afraid, not to mention we don't have enough blood liquor to go around."
"If we tested animal blood, we can concoct a specific liquor for the time being," Ichiru interrupted.
Yuki was smiling at the silver-haired gratefully. "He's a genius among us. Lord Souen, you can profit a lot from his idea."
"I'd need to test all types of animals first." Ichiru contemplated, "Deer, rabbit, or cattle. With the right blend, I'm certain we'll have a good product on our hands."
Lord Souen acknowledged the solution. "How long do you think it'll take you to create something drinkable?"
"Ideally, a few months. The problem is I'm not a vampire. I don't know how your tastebuds work." Ichiru replied.
"Let me find someone to be your tester," Lord Souen offered. "I just request the alcohol level confuses the impulse for blood, therefore, hunger is minified naturally. The blood tablets taste awful. Haruka can't keep draining himself. We have to produce some form of hunger suppressants. Hasn't Ouji-sama gone to debate the production chain on tablets, Yuki?"
"Huh," She blinked, "I wouldn't know. I haven't seen him for a week."
"Hard to believe," Lord Souen scoffed, "Folks chitter how he smiles only when you are around."
"I didn't even think he knew how to smile," Ichiru marveled, "He doesn't give others a glance, aloof and all to himself. We're clearly insignificant compared to Yuki. I remember Zero didn't trust him."
"Zero doesn't trust any man in Yuki's circumference." Lord Souen corrected.
"Ever since she went on date with a ronin who wanted to steal Cyrus, he became overprotective." Ichiru supplied. "I doubt the crowned prince wants to steal something from Yuki."
"He holds himself nicely during an audience." Lord Souen nodded, "He certainly seems like someone who knows what he's doing. If we produce a blood drink, he'd deeply appreciate our efforts. He's drastically younger than princes crowned previously and faces an antagonistic pureblood. You've got your hands tied, Yuki, escorting him to the Southeast. Not only is it dangerous but he specifically said he did not want hunters he hadn't worked with and insisted on you."
When Yuki visited Shiki's office to receive further instruction on the special assignment, she was shocked to learn which 'palace official' she was designated to escort.
Shiki sat back in the chair gingerly, "What's with the expression?"
She closed her gaping mouth but it fell open again.
"Ran-san hand-delivered the assignment." Shiki reiterated, "Whom did you think it was for?"
Anyone but Ouji, of course.
She felt played. It didn't surprise her as much as it could have. The trickster pureblood sowed syrupy words and took advantage of every situation. True, he had followed her to Kurashiki. The purpose was to reunite her with Juuri, he disclosed after what felt like years of prodding, but it did not explain why he lingered and educated her on feminine classics and why he promised her father to change her mind on the idea of marriage. If the promise meant nothing, why teach her and test her under the disguise of a debutant? Why unexpectedly waver and contest to breaking it just to bargain her life as repayment? What was he truly after? The journey to the Southeast could pave answers if she saw through him.
" 'Every word I give is true.' "
If that were the case, it would be easier to discern his plans. Yuki returned home to take a bath. The routine was a measure of calming her nerves and relaxing before bed, which she continued to struggle with. She closed her eyes in the steam, sighing.
"You doubt me so much?"
"I have every right to." She determinedly replied. Opening her eyes, she found the tall pureblood standing center and attention by her tub. Splashing back, Yuki covered herself. "Why are you here?" She shrieked.
Kaname idly splashed the water to test the temperature. "You were thinking of me so I came."
"Get out! I am naked." Her horror increased at the sheer nonchalance of the pureblood.
"What's there to be upset about?" Kaname walked around the tub as she shifted to conceal her nudity. "I've seen you naked a dozen times."
"Doesn't mean you can come for a free show whenever you feel like it, pervert," Yuki growled.
A dozen?
"It was not a dozen times, liar. Why is the crowned prince of the country in my bathroom as I clean myself?" She hid her face in her hands in frustration.
Kaname picked up her towel, "I thought you resented secrets between us. How else can I prove I mean you no harm if I don't stay with you all the time?"
Yuki snagged the towel in a fluster and covered herself. "I am entitled to my privacy. You don't see me exposing you."
"But you were thinking extremely hard about me," Kaname pouted, "I dropped everything to be with you."
Securing the towel around, Yuki hopped out of the tub. "Knock it off with the mind-reading trick. I'm the last person you need to be concerned with. Lady Juuri is here, I asked her to look after father during our trip." She ambled barefoot to her fresh clothes.
"How considerate of you." Kaname watched hoveringly as she dove behind a screen in the corner to dress. "There's nothing more she wants than to make up for her previous actions. Isn't there anything you want from her? Some mother-daughter bonding?"
"I don't want to force a relationship." Yuki straightened the sleeves of her yukata. "If it's meant to happen, it'll happen. I can't help but admire how she came after hearing about him. She cares about him. Maybe, they can work things out and she doesn't have to return to the palace. He can finally have a semblance of happiness. Maybe, she can make it up to us by owning her dreams and standing up for what makes her happy. Isn't an eternity of sadness and emptiness worse than death?"
He had tilted his head and listened in loving silence. His gaze heavy-lidded and an uncontrollable smile whispered across his lips. Her shadow whisked through the screen.
"We don't know death yet, I'm sure it has its own obstacles. But she shouldn't punish herself for her choices. How can the Kuran clan threaten their children for being true to themselves? Why is it crucial to self-sacrifice and uphold the clan's robust reputation? Who doesn't know the clan anyway? Fine, say she is the key to birthing future Kuran children. What's terrible about an aristocrat? Not all of us care about the throne." Yuki stepped out, fastening the belt around her back. "It seems like too much work."
"Some Kuran aristocrats wanted the throne," Kaname brushed the wet hair from her temples. His eyes turned smoky at the enthralling scent of rose. He rubbed a few tresses between his fingers. "Some fought and used our blood to contend for it. Soon after, Kuran aristocrats were banned from the palace. They assembled riots and attempted to assassinate the king. The only way to stop them was to kill them. They continued to tarnish purebloods. Lord Shoto fought them in the war and abolished them completely."
"But it won't happen again," Yuki vowed.
"I believe you." Kaname caressed her warm cheek.
"Lord Toma is an exception. His inferiority complex with the Kuran will never cease. Driving you from the throne won't alter how powerless he feels inside. If it's not you, tomorrow it'll be someone else. You created a rumor about a weapon that harms hundreds of vampires but his army hasn't had a chance to use it on vampires yet. Come wartime, guess who'll have the upper hand? Our troops will."
Kaname brushed his hands tenderly down her shoulders. "I don't want you anywhere near the war zone."
Defeat pooled her eyes. "You still think I'm reckless."
He cupped the back of her head, "I don't underestimate you, but I can't risk putting you in danger."
"And going to the Southeast won't?" She demanded.
"I'm keeping you close to me."
Yuki frowned forlornly, "When you decided I return to Kurashiki, you didn't ask what I wanted. You said the best form of repayment was my living a happy, carefree life at home. But it hasn't been like that at all, it's been—"
I saw it all.
"I know," He had learned from his mistake too late. Kaname relaxed the hand on her arm. "What will make you happy, Yuki?"
"I wanted to stay and fight with you." Yuki asseverated, "I'm ready to fight Lord Toma with you now. If you keep fearing, he will use your fear against you. Make me your best ally, not your Achilles heel."
Desperateness wormed into his static features, winding a pale disconcerted frown as he studied her. "But I can't stand a Toma touching you, tormenting you, let alone imprisoning you."
Yuki covered his hand on her shoulder, "I haven't forgotten either. At least I know what to expect. I don't blame you. Please, don't blame yourself for what happened. You didn't fail me. You can never fail me, Ouji."
"Will it really make you happy?" Kaname whispered, clenching her shoulders.
She nodded firmly and smiled confidently.
Reluctantly, Kaname released her. "Alright, Yuki."
"Another thing," She squeaked, red-faced, "Can we not meet in the bathroom like this? How can you look me in the eye? Deep down you're a nasty pervert who pretends modesty."
"How you offend me," Kaname averted in agonizing gloom, "I don't control the times you need me, I simply show up. Take the time in the library, I undressed you and bandaged your wounds, delicately. You were a disparaging sight in the cave, I had no trouble giving you my clothes."
"But you peeked at me." Yuki curled arms around herself insecurely.
"What's there to be afraid of? You're a Kuran, the beauty of your flesh is my blood."
"Shouldn't you practice restraint?"
"I can't make promises." Kaname placatingly patted her on the head.
Yuki glowered, "What kind of 'Ouji-sama' are you?"
He couldn't refrain from pinching her cheeks, "Why, the best kind."
The Kurashikan respite was due to end. Eleven months ago, Yuki was relieved to be home with her father and doting Ms. Laison. Under the Kurashikan sunrise, hours were spent practicing sword techniques. Studying and meditating had been leisure advantages. A spin around town left her gloomy as she passed the Hunters Association that no longer needed her. Life was supposed to be normal and simple. Yet it miserably fell short. The happy and carefree life Kaname set her free for was far from happy and carefree. Her blood clashed, her heart was torn, and her mind was a state of constant war. She did not know which path she encroached and she did not know what troubled her more. How she'd recede into a simpler life of a noble married woman or Kaname's apparent estrangement post-investiture.
Now, Yuki was relieved by the simple changes. She was back at the association, all thanks to the pureblood brushing his fingers down her hair after she'd fallen asleep. Her fingers secretly pinched his sleeves to keep him in place. Deep in sleep's velvet arms, fatigue, and troubles vacated. She gasped sharply an hour later as she was roughly awoken by Ms. Laison.
"Come on," Ms. Laison shook her rigidly by the shoulders, "Get up, Yuki, it's bad."
Groggily, she rubbed the spell of sleep from her eyes and winked at the panting woman. "What is it?"
"An attack in the middle states." Ms. Laison anxiously whispered. "Haruka-sama and Lord Kaien have left Kurashiki to assist. Half of the Ichijos have gone ahead."
There was no time to be yawning and stretching. Yuki tossed the blanket off and stood on her feet. "Lord Shiki?"
"He commands the formation and infrastructure around Kurashiki," Ms. Laison hastily began collecting her cloak and boots, "The town is shielded. Folks have gone hiding in the underground shelters."
Yuki snagged a shirt and began dressing. "You shouldn't stay back, take Ichiru with you to the shelter. You know where the food supplies are stocked?"
"Yes." Ms. Laison warily nodded. "And the weapons are in the barrels."
"We practiced the back route in case the shelters are exposed," Yuki tightened the belt before drawing the cloak around her shoulders.
"I know it with my eyes closed."
"Perfect." Yuki grabbed her hunter's initiation sword.
"Nothing is definite but we have to take our chances." Ms. Laison mumbled quietly. "If we're attacked tonight, best we get to a safer place."
The estate filtered of people. Servants were filed and led in lines to the shelters. Half of her father's vassals escorted the chonin, the other half looked toward her. The only Tsunamasa present, Yuki signaled them to their stations. She nudged Cyrus and sped to the border. The standing frontier littered the field like fading black smoke. Yuki approached the commander.
Lord Shiki received her with an expression of astound. "You had best hide in the shelters too."
Senri nodded from his father's left. "We got it covered, Yuki. The hunters in the west and north will signal prior to an attack." They were well prepared. It was better than nothing.
She noticed a fair silhouette blend in their lane. Yuki could not believe her eyes. "You should return to the palace!"
"The palace is also a target," Juuri replied. Her face, a mask as cold as the white moon. "Here is my safest bet."
"Shiki-san, please, do not leave her side," Yuki cried fiercely.
Senri winsomely and emphatically nodded, "Relax, Yuki, nothing will happen to any of us."
"No one knows she is here. It won't bode well for Kurashiki if she is harmed." She warned.
Juuri gave her a saintly smile, "Or you can say Kurashiki has another pureblood on its side, extra backup power Lord Toma won't be expecting."
Yuki was not comforted by the fact. All she could think of was Shigeu's claws ripping out her heart for endangering the irreplaceable Kuran. Juuri was obviously worth more than palaces and blood. She and Kaname were the foundation of the clan's future. A hand seized her shoulder, tugging her swiftly under piercing red eyes belonging to the latter.
Speak of the devil. Isn't Kurashiki overstepping its pureblood limit?
She was frowning at him. Kaname pinched her cheek to disrupt the train of thought. "How can I leave you to fend these troublesome times alone?" He inquired softly.
"You seem to forget the eleven months we had no contact," Yuki rubbed her cheek against her shoulder to quell the generous heat swelling from contact. "I managed fine."
Kaname mysteriously smiled at her fiery eyes.
The things you don't know, how closely I've watched over you in your gloom.
"I've come to retrieve you to make up for our lost time, Yuki." Kaname brushed a lock of hair from her cheek.
"My sweet boy, are you playing knight in shining armor? I thought the role was a redundancy." Juuri smirked.
"Being her knight in armor is worth assuaging the anguish from missing me," Kaname replied.
"Who missed you?" Yuki roared, the horses agitatedly neighed.
"Thankfully you'll be too distracted to stay upset on our trip," Kaname smirked wickedly.
"Distracted?" Her eyes widened.
Kaname traced her mouth, "Ours is a long journey. A mist in wind and time, left only for us to cherish. Let's make every drop together count."
Tingles swooped in the pit of her stomach. She shivered under the caressing fingers. His eyes never strayed from her trembling mouth. She reddened and spitefully clenched her fangs, "I'm going to burn your stupid poetry books."
An evasive smile sugared his lips, Kaname glided straight on the saddle. "Be prepared for the consequences. I know we renegotiated our repayment criteria, taking your clothes off was a thrilling risk, now we've resorted to kiss—"
Yuki covered his mouth, "Ah—Ouji, we must be on our way!"
Shock thundered down Juuri's limbs, her grip on the reins limped. Next to her, Senri and his father gaped like fishes out of water.
Kaname smiled evilly in her hand. She continued rambling and nudging their horses. "How about those Toma factions, eh? Let's race to the Southeast, Ouji. Let's take what we need to be victorious. Let's show them what we're made of!" She cheered.
Lord Shiki cleared his throat. "It is best to leave immediately. We hope to achieve our goals and win more allies. Our future rests in your hands. I bid you a safe journey and a safe return, Ouji-sama." He bowed his head.
"Thank you, I won't let you down," Kaname bowed his head politely, tugging Cyrus's reins out of Yuki's hand. "A bookworm doesn't efficiently know the disastrous roads. I can get lost and beaten. You have to protect me from the danger ahead, Yuki."
"Yes, yes, I promise to lay down my life for you." Yuki urged Cyrus to follow his mare. "I was assumptive, I admit my fault, and how condescending I was about your lack of self-defense and inexperience in the world. I wouldn't forgive me either."
"Hmm? Are you expecting some form of punishment?" Kaname asked, a tender smile teethed his words.
Juuri watched them ride out of the field side-by-side.
You said you did not have the energy or time to think about such things. A few months around her and you discarded your rules to accommodate her.
"How did I raise a fool?" She whispered to herself.
A lovable fool. Or a man who treasures what is important to him.
Yuki closed her eyes solemnly but tipped her nose in the air. "I apologize, Ouji. You are far from a naive bookworm—although, you have hermit tendencies. You are the pureblood our country is depending on at this critical time and it does us no good ruining your mood with dispiriting remarks. Will you please let it go now?"
Kaname mauled over the apology. He regarded her from beneath thick-curtained lashes and frigidly averted. "No."
"I misjudged you from the start, I was wrong," Yuki exclaimed, "Forgive me already."
"The wound is too raw and deep." Kaname sorrowfully whispered.
"Ouji!"
Lord Shiki took a long deep breath he had been holding after their departure. The two drifted like stars through the dark forest, glimmering and flourishing their path regardless of the environment.
A shimmering-eyed Senri blinked awake, "I had no idea Yuki and Ran-san were that close. No wonder Zero is unnerved by him."
Juuri forced her eyes closed and breathed to rebalance her composure. "Kaname is not taking any chances. He sounds playful and energetic, inside he has hardened himself to prepare for the deaths he is responsible for. She won't be one of them." A knowing smile melted her frown, a tear glided down her right eye, "Thank you, my sweet boy." Juuri watched their silhouettes fester in the darkness.
"Lady Juuri," Lord Shiki interrupted, "Haruka-sama also doesn't want to take any chances with your life. He requested you sequester in the shelter as well. Please, let Senri shield you."
"I know Haruka won't stand to let anything happen to Kurashiki, you and me," Juuri glanced at him coolly, "I want to help him and Kurashiki. You can forget about hiding me."
o o o
A quarter of the Aidous went to assist and support the middle states. Aidou had gone without his father. Most of the lords helped clear the bloody villages. A handful was situated in a manor at the council. He had stepped out for fresh air when a butterfly waded out of diluting clouds, a ripple of light in the early morning. Aidou peered at the pirouetting glimmer hovering above him. He blinked at the fluttering, silent creature as it slowed and landed on his left shoulder.
A general had been watching from a near distance and approached. "Were you expecting a message?" He wondered.
Aidou extracted the tiny scroll tucked along its lithe body. "No," He curiously pried the note open. The butterfly wavered from the movement before promptly whisking away.
o o o
Kain took stock of her loading their articles of travel on the saddle contemplatively. He reserved his qualms to himself for the most part but Ruka determinedly chattered nonstop about their ride to Kyoto. With the irrepressible disasters circulating the roads, he knew the capital was the least safe and the last place to be. Being the one to guard and accompany her travels, he was not interested in failing the role. No one sought his capabilities hopefully and confidently. He was a laughable fool, a baboon in the eyes of folks. He wasn't particularly intelligent or stellar in any form except for his red hair and tall stature. He was not near dependable or entrusted to do anything, no one thought he could excel or understand the demands of a job. He had tried to join the Hunters Association and was rejected many times.
But there was one person earnestly smiling at his side. " 'Ease up, you're not going to let this stop you, are you?' " Yuki would say.
Kain would laugh, warmth chimed through his lungs and windpipe as he happily gurgled. "Not for a second."
She trusted him with her dearest friend and believed without a doubt he would not let her down.
"I love Ruka," Yuki had covered her eyes under a sleeve in an attempt to alleviate the headache and strain behind her eyes. "I want the person next to her to love her twice as much. It has to be you, no one else."
Kain scratched Cyrus gently between the horse's ears. The sun dwindled behind the clouds. A cool cast of pink and orange rippled the skyline in the arriving evening. "I haven't been out of Kurashiki in years," He watched the light deplete in seconds, "You're the only person who understands why I deserted the fire clan. Kurashiki has been a decent hideout for many of us. I never thought you'd come home to hide too."
"That's because I have to stay put and make the most of my freedom here."
Kain glanced at her flat on the grass, face hidden under her arm. "The blood bond is killing you, isn't it? How can the crowned prince be irresponsible?"
"I forced myself on him," Yuki muttered. She lifted her arm finally to gaze at the darkening sky. "I don't want to hear you talk about him like that."
Kain moved away from Cyrus and hunched next to her on the grass. "I don't know what it's like with a pureblood but he hasn't been considerate about how you're feeling."
"No," Yuki closed her eyes at the unbearable pain drilling in her chest, "Ouji is overly generous. He won't stop me from taking his blood. He's a pureblood who puts me first. He will give his all to uphold his word. I made him give up his dream, the only dream he's ever had. Don't be a cruel person and snatch another person's dream, it may be the one thing keeping them going. Help make Ruka's dream come true and accompany her, Kain."
"I'll take Ruka wherever she wants." Kain smiled, "I've loved her my whole life. The crowned prince isn't even heartbroken about how you are."
Yuki rolled on her side, away from him, trembling from the paralyzing pain in her ribcage. "Purebloods live for eternity and have hundreds of mates. His gentleness must endure a lifetime or he'll turn like the rest of them."
"Obviously you have to revere him. Is that also because of the blood bond?"
"I just wish to help keep his soul pure, his heart warm, and full of compassion in his eternal life as a king." Her eyes flashed open. Fumiko's warning etched in her psyche.
" 'You have a chance to change your life, Yuki Hanako. I hope you take it and free yourself from the burden of blood bond you've come to form with a pureblood. My grandson…let him go. He cannot be yours. One day he will be king, the father of vampire kind. He must forget you so he can be a reliable prince and king. And I know, his feelings are deeper than he lets on.' "
"Purebloods are incapable of loving one person for eternity anyway. Their detached care falls astray quickly, like a pet's caress." Yuki stated.
"I will help Ruka,"
"You don't have to go to your hometown, but you have to keep her safe, Kain." Yuki rolled back to peer at his hooded features in the dark.
"I'll keep Ruka safe, I promise," Kain replied firmly.
The surrounding bushes rustled in the dark. Alert and nimble, she sat up soundlessly to scan the lush lucidity of the fresh night. Several seconds passed in the stillness, Yuki relaxed and sighed. The bangs of her hair swept to the side as she leaned toward her comrade. "It's nothing."
Kain jerked a nail at the red-eyed burly contour stalking from the corner. "That doesn't look like nothing, what is that?"
"A wolf."
Kain incredulously watched her shrug. "We've haven't had wolves in ages."
"It's a good sign," Yuki smiled at large creature wade through the reef of shadows into the moonlight. Its back glistened blue-black. Crimson eyes admired their forms from the near distance. "He may be the only of his pack to survive. Kurashiki is home to survivors." The wolf turned and continued in the forest. Yuki blinked at Kain curiously, "You wanna help me catch it?"
Kain flung back agitatedly, "It's bigger than us, no way."
"Think of how helpful it'll be to have a pet wolf if I can train it." Yuki gasped hopefully.
"You're mad, Yuki." Kain slurred, shaking his head, "Where do you get these ideas?"
Yuki grinned, "We trained with wolves prior to working at the Hunters Association. I'm not scared of them. Predators prey on fear, as long as you can trick your fight or flight reflex, it won't hurt you."
"Easy for you to say. I bet the first time you saw a wolf you were petrified." Kain chortled.
Yuki nodded, "Yes, but Zero was with me." Her eyes lit up suddenly, "The wolf was scared of him instead. A hunter's blood has an unspoken magical connection with the elements and nature, Kain. We think purebloods have it all but hunters are just as competent. You've always wanted to join the association but you need to relax around a wolf first if you want to pass training."
"No use, they keep rejecting me." Kain heaved aloud a miserable sigh from his heart. "I might as well move on and try another profession."
"Over four hundred applications are rejected. Two hundred are withdrawn. Seventy-nine are accepted. Fifty don't make it after phase one. Twenty-three can't proceed with phase three. And seventeen are left to go train in the wilderness with wolves. Five die. Two give up. Ten complete training and are assigned to different branches. Hunters are rare but essential. You've always admired how Zero returned successfully from missions. Don't give up, Kain. Out of all the applicants, most likely you're the one who handles rejection best. You know how to deal when things don't go your way. To be a hunter, you have to be comfortable not having 'your way' and to take advantage of your troubles. It's not fair to compare yourself to Zero—even I can't compare. So what, we weren't born hunters like him? The association will be great for having a fire clan descendant on the team." Yuki smiled reassuringly, "You're not going to let this stop you, are you?"
Kain smiled warmly. "Not for a second."
He worried about making mistakes and disappointing Ruka all the time. All she seemed to care about was seeing new towns and breweries. She was not affected by his consternation. He was partly relieved she was enjoying herself.
"Stop standing there and help me load," Ruka grunted from the horse.
Kain thought long and hard. His eyes narrowed and arms locked across his chest.
"If you're not going to help, then suit yourself. You can walk to Kyoto."
"We are not going to Kyoto." Kain declared.
Ruka glared over her shoulder. "You can stay here all you want. I will go alone."
"There's a trail of village attacks. We will run into trouble if we go in the direction." Kain replied, "Let's go to my hometown instead."
Incredulously, Ruka gaped at her companion. "I've been looking forward to Kyoto for months!"
"Face it, Ruka," Kain murmured, "A war is coming, we can't get caught in the way. I have to get you home to Kurashiki soundly. My hometown will protect us. We can visit Kyoto later."
Ruka had ceased movement. He detangled the reins and picked her by the waist, hoisting her on the saddle. Moments later, he joined behind her on horseback. She sat empty-eyed as he stirred the horse to trot along the market.
"If we don't go, I'm afraid I'll never see Kyoto." Ruka gritted her fangs, seizing the reins. "I can't let my chance slip away."
Kain stabled her hands, "I'll take you after the battles slow down."
"But we—"
"Trust me, Ruka." Kain pleaded over her head.
He'd never pretended to be strong or omniscient, but he was certain to have made an appropriate decision. Her safety was too great to compromise for moments of joy in a new town. Kyoto would be there and he sold no illusions about taking back his word. Miles out of town, they stopped to stretch their legs. Ruka was fuming in silence. He could tolerate her temper and rudeness, it meant she would be fine soon. It was Ruka quiet and sad Kain could not tolerate.
A gust of wind stirred the serenity of the main road. The drift of oncoming horses thumped the land, vibrating beneath their feet. Kain acted by snatching her by the arm and shooed the horse into the bushes.
"Where do you think you're touching?" Ruka shouted, slapping the arm around her waist as he enveloped her. "Get off me this instant!"
Kain tucked her in his arms firmly and turned under the bushes. The herd of raiders appeared beyond the rim of grass and trees. The vampire lords stopped and scanned the shivering bush.
Ruka's eyes widened, horrified by the smell and sight of raiders soaked in human entrails. "They mm—"
Kain clamped a hand on her mouth.
The Toma banners fluttered brightly in the breeze. The raiders glared at the shrubs. "Did you hear something?" One of the lords asked.
A green-eyed vampire snarled as he glared back at his comrade, dust ribboned the riotous wind. "Must be the wind," He merely answered, "Let's go slaughter us some humans. I'm hungry. I love it when they scream." His comrades hummed in agreement, moving their horses.
"Lord Toma is awfully generous letting us play," Another vampire flashed a row of blood-stained fangs, "We take what we find, eat whatever we want. This is how life should be. Vampires above all!"
"Once Lord Toma becomes king, we can do this all the time!" The raiders cheered.
"Death to the Kurans. Death to humans!"
Kain and Ruka waited for the crew shrieking a war cry disappear in the direction of the town. Ruka clenched her eyes and hid in his chest, shaking. "They're headed where we came from." She moaned, "People are going to die. People we met, people we passed by. Innocent people."
Kain pulled out of her arms and collected Ruka gently and helped her on the horse. "We have to get out of here." He kicked the horse to incite it into a gallop.
o o o
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