o o o
Zero hadn't stopped searching the mountains and cavernous apertures bats used to hibernate. After putting a spell on the crowned prince, Lord Toma vanished. He looked forward to piercing the pureblood's forehead with a bullet. It was foolhardy to assume he could be found easily. Zero had been walking for what felt like days. Therein, again, were no sign of bats in the region or an obtrusive sense of threat festering in the mountain air. The caves were strangely vacant. He deduced, the damages from his bullets would have the lord losing a tremendous amount of blood as well as prevent him from further employing his pureblood powers, either transformation or mind control, but Lord Toma was mightily intelligent, having mastered major forms of magic to manipulate the elements and normal folk. Zero, himself, might require unorthodox supplications, or on the certainly rare occasion as this, depend on persons he felt no reason or duty to associate with.
Taka Toya and his clan members soared throughout the region in relentless search. With no allies in the area, Zero knew the pureblood could not possibly have gone far, but he'd mysteriously veiled himself. He encountered numerous animals and watched the sun collapse between the ridges of the black ocean, uncomforted by the lack of findings, as well as the lack of news about Yuki and her whereabouts. The Toya clan constructed a meager camp, sufficient to spend a night in order to watch the caves inside of the mountains. They'd rise early morning and continue hunting for the condemned pureblood.
Zero hadn't lowered his guard and glared at the setting sun, polished by incandescent orange and wiry pink. He slipped an arm inside of his armor to retrieve the illegal blood wine Yuki insisted would nourish his hunger. Merely staring at the bottle, he lost the desire to drink and relaxed against a tree, his fingers contemplatively unwinding the cap as his eyes glittered distantly into the sunset.
"Shinsengumi," A voice echoed over his shoulder. He did not indicate hearing her approach or accommodate showing interest. Rima stopped and frowned at him for a moment. "Why are you out here by yourself? We've set up a fire. There's plenty of boar meat to go around. Come and eat."
Zero did not even look at her, but he sighed nonchalantly, "Not hungry."
"We've been searching for three days. You won't be able to keep up if you don't eat. Depending on blood alone isn't wise. The blood wine won't fill you up." Rima alerted.
"What do you care?" Zero charged irritably at the orange-haired vampire. He finally spared an uninterested glare in her direction.
"I don't want our search party to fall behind if one of us does not maintain his strength," Rima grittily implied, "Kaname-sama's honor is on the line. We need everyone on board and can't lose this once-in-a-life-opportunity to find and kill Lord Toma. The cursed pureblood dare slick his hand inside of Kaname-sama's chest and grip his heart—that alone is a death warrant."
"I don't have interest in purebloods," Zero droned and closed his eyes.
Rima studied the silver-haired vampire bizarrely, "You're a shinsengumi, your job is to protect your lord and master. Why does Kaname-sama even put up with you? If you don't want to help, you shouldn't be here."
"I have my reasons for being out here," Zero murmured, "And it's not over some flighty infatuation for a pureblood. I don't find worshiping them a least bit interesting. You can stomp through mud and crawl in the mountain for your 'Kaname-sama' all you want. He was willing to die without a thought of your opinion or affection. He doesn't care about you."
Rima steeled her rage and knelt. Her blue eyes shimmered equally in turmoil and disfavor. "Kaname-sama is honorable and considerate, he'll put his life on the line for his people. When Lord Toma's hand was inside his chest cavity, he was thinking about someone else's safety, it just goes to show what kind of pureblood he is. He's deserving of my respect and faith. I'll go around the mountain a hundred times to find Lord Toma if I have to."
"The person he was thinking about, do you even know who she is?" Zero slowly wondered.
Rima wiped bangs out of her eyes, "No, does it matter?" She whispered hesitantly, "Won't he do that for anyone?"
"You mean, you?" He chuckled.
Rima glared at his impartial demeanor. "I don't know who she is, but she was important enough to fill his mind in what could've been his final moments. I wouldn't put him in a position to worry about me." She insisted determinedly.
"A thick-skinned person like her tried to protect the villagers, it's in the Tsunamasa blood, it's also why she passed the Hunters Association training. Her desire and need to protect is not out of shallow significance."
Rima searched him in curious silence. "Tsunamasa?"
"You should return to the village. It'll take us days to track Lord Toma."
"I can tolerate the harsh outdoors," Rima voided the assumption, "So what I used to live at a geisha house? I know how to wield a sword and defend myself. The beasts I encountered in saloons are worse than any in the mountains."
Zero's lavender eyes winked open, "Why is an artisan interested in the crowned prince?"
Surprised by the sudden inquisition, her cheeks turned rosy and her blue eyes became dodgy. "Isn't it obvious? Kaname-sama isn't like other purebloods. He hesitates to kill or harm another person. He tries to understand first, wants to be fair and not biased despite he's forced to preserve the echelon system. He wants humans to look after each other instead of being controlled by vampires."
"If you were his woman and were about to die, would you let him protect you, even if it killed him?"
Rima frowned, her eyes grayed from indecision, "Of course, I wouldn't want Kaname-sama to die."
"I have a hard time understanding why a pureblood's life is precious. He can't die easily, and you'd give up your life for him? He doesn't care about you, and he wouldn't mourn you, either."
"Screw you, shinsengumi," Rima glowered, gritting her fangs, "I won't be surprised if you've never liked someone before."
"I couldn't be more empathetic of your situation," Zero rumbled coolly, "Don't waste your time. He's in love with someone else."
Rima's curling brows rippled into a straight astounding line.
Zero merely gave a look of expectant emptiness, waiting for her to catch up and connect the dots.
"Now that I think about it," Rima forced a mitigating smirk, "He was depressed at the Toya mansion, his mind and heart were somewhere else. I couldn't get through to him as I wanted. He mentioned wanting to prove his sincerity toward someone special."
"Don't feel bad," Zero murmured, "Purebloods aren't as awesome as you imagine."
"How can his shinsengumi say that?" Rima cried in agitation.
"I don't see what's special about them," Zero shrugged.
"You're not special either."
Zero twisted open the bottle cap and slurped the blood wine voraciously. His hunger satisfied momentarily, he finished the gulp after wiping his blood-ringed mouth clean on his knuckles. "Lord Toma was weakened, he should be here. Stay in camp or go back to the village, the choice is yours. I'm going to continue to search." He strategically concealed the wine in the armor and stood.
"Isn't it better to go together?" Rima followed his example by gliding to her feet.
"No, I have one bullet for his head. I want to use it on him soon." He swiftly turned and stalked toward the towering trees in the dark.
Zero trekked the hills, bushes, trails, and the curvaceous mountain clefts, but he did not find what he liked. Sunrise came, but there was no Toma in sight, or in the case, bats. He was forced to make around back to the village run amok by various warlords, including Haruka and Kaien. He caught the loyal Ichijos by the gate, harboring what he imagined to be, laborious and grave expressions that left them indisposed. They did not greet passersby and continued talking quietly.
"I will check the sky," Lord Ichijo said to his heedful and nodding son, "Go in the water and see what you can find."
Takuma nodded ponderously and murmured without hesitation or doubt, "Kaname must be with her. He hasn't surfaced because she is alive." He affirmed, striking a wide smile at the approaching shinsengumi, "Kiryuu, you're back. Any news?"
Crisp lavender eyes scanned the lack-luster men. "I had no luck locating Lord Toma. The Toya clan remain on the mountain."
"Don't like the sound of that," Takuma's lips curled around the corners, visibly disgruntled, "Yuki claims you're a better hunter than she. If you can't find him, who can?"
"How long is a transformation spell supposed to last?" Zero asked.
"Hard to say," Takuma contemplated, counting the passing clouds, "Purebloods can only cast a spell on each other by speaking to the heart of another pureblood. From what I heard, Lord Toma held Kaname's heart and spellbound him into a wolf. If Kaname is still out of his human form, so is Lord Toma. Half of his faction is dead. We know it doesn't take him long to gather support."
"What a tenacious pureblood," Lord Ichijo muttered sourly, "Kaname-sama has never been forced to transform into his vampire essence publicly. His form is meant to be a secret, he will be easily targeted." He glanced at his son. "I'm going to search for him. Don't be neglectful and search the rivers for anything to help bring them back. Ou-sama must be furious."
"I'd avoid the king as much as possible," Takuma nodded but beamed rapturously at Zero, "I'm taking off, Kiryuu. The rivers change frequently. I can't say when I'll be back."
"River?" Zero furrowed his brows in consternation.
"Not all of us are ex-hunter-turned-vampire," Takuma chuckled, "My vampire essence is a water snake. The king is a falcon. His queen, a lioness. Oh, you won't guess what a cute fox Juuri-sama makes, heh."
"Get moving." Lord Ichijo authoritatively droned from behind the grinning blond.
"Yes, father." He bowed swiftly and waved at Zero.
"Forgive my son," Lord Ichijo lowered his gaze dejectedly, "Takuma is foolish, but Kaname-sama relies on him tremendously. Too much time has passed, I'm certain he'll try to connect with us. We have to make ourselves accessible to assist if he faces trouble. Allow me to take my leave, Kiryuu," He bowed his head respectfully.
Zero nodded and watched the lord ripple into a mist, warping into a surprising white hummingbird. He blanked even more at the astounding fact and entered the gate of the village.
o o o
Kaname could sense the white bird swirling the mountain and canyon. Sunrise glimmered through the silent trees up the hill. In his arms curled a sensationally content half-pureblood, who despite attempting to watch over him all night, wound up snuggling into him as if he were her safety blanket. Yuki burrowed in his chest. The waking world teemed from the sound of chittering birds and soft wind. Far away, noises in the village whistled like an absent-thought. Kaname nuzzled Yuki and kissed her warm forehead. She remained asleep as he unlatched her arms that were hooked around his waist. Refraining to smile, Kaname covered her in the cloak and braced himself up lest he stumbled from dizziness. He appropriated elegantly and strode toward the edge of the boundary where her bracelet dangled in unkempt streams of leaves and branches. She had tried her best. He could've applauded the effort, but it was literal electrocution to the bloodstream if he touched the hunter metal. He didn't want to hurt the sleeping Yuki. Kaname decided to unravel his shadow form. Black smoke hissed as it pooled the ground next to his boot. His silhouette turned toward the sky and jumped into the clouds.
The shadow flew after the white bird, dipping and tapped it gently down. Lord Ichijo obliged by dropping in the mountain and made an abiding crouch on his knees. He examined the shadow relapsing into the raised hand. Kaname sauntered toward the wide-eyed and shocked lord.
"What's the matter, haven't seen an injured pureblood before?" Kaname rasped. It was clear he wasn't in good form to speak many words.
Lord Ichijo sank his head dismally on the ground, "Kaname-sama, I failed you. I didn't expect to see you gravely hurt. Let me—" He started toward the pureblood.
Kaname raised a hand in warning, "Don't step in the boundary." He cautioned by gesturing to the bracelet hanging on his left. "The hunter magic is much like the boundary surrounding the Hunters Association. Vampires need to be carried by hunters to pass. I don't want Yuki riled awake in pain from her happy sleep if you cross it."
Lord Ichijo paled at his blood-smeared, torn clothes. His eyes were densely shadowed, and his face was ashen, obviously malnourished. He could smell the pure blood on the clothes. Kaname looked despairingly weak as if he could collapse and sleep for seventy years. He glanced at the woman under the cloak. "My guess is you saved her and were injured in the process. We can't let this continue. Lord Toma will rise and attack again. We need more men to retaliate."
"I intend to continue to the Southeast as planned," Kaname replied breathlessly, "Once we ally with the Hiou clan, I will lead the attack. He will do everything possible to savor his life. We can't avoid the inevitable. Seiren expunged over half of the Toma faction. The remainder will search for Lord Toma. Take your men toward the nest, the village is all male."
"The descendants of the Kurenai devour women," Lord Ichijo speculated the sleeping form, "But the village can provide a beneficial respite for your pureblood body compared to the mountain. It sits at the door of the Hiou clan. I can sense you've lost too much blood. Your major arteries are bleeding profusely." He gushed on the verge of tears, "Kaname-sama, let me escort you there at once! I will take Yuki to the larger nest of the Kurenai clan, they are tolerant of women."
A wrinkle formed on his brows, Kaname regarded her sleeping profile. "I can't part from her."
"But you can heal using their stone cave and medicine. They will smell her if she accompanies you," Lord Ichijo forbade, "You must heal quickly on your own."
"I need you to find a candidate to hold the throne," Kaname interrupted.
Lord Ichijo froze in precipitous shock. "You took the investiture and pledged your life to the crown. The king won't allow another person to be enthroned."
"After the war ends, I won't live in the palace." Kaname indifferently stated.
The lord could not believe what he was hearing. He breathed in a trance, "Ou-sama won't let it happen."
"He has already made an attempt on Yuki's life. I vowed to become the heir after she was released from prison. This time he is the person after her life. What makes you think I'll comply with the bargain anymore?"
"Kaname-sama, where will you go?" Lord Ichijo feebly asked.
Crimson eyes examined the frowning and anxious lord steadily, Kaname replied. "Wherever she goes."
o o o
He had established Yuki was undeniably cute when she slept. Then, she scampered up, half-awake, hunting for the injured pureblood. Before her eyes opened, Yuki frantically called out to him.
Kaname hovered elegantly over her former sleeping form. Beneath him, she bolted up, wound by consternation like a fiercely coiled rope. "What is it, Yuki?" He murmured leisurely, gliding out of the slanted position to sit up attentively. He had no one but to take the blame for making her worried.
Color whimpered back to her pale countenance once she summed his materializing form. She hunched on her elbows, reabsorbing life that had left her a moment ago. "I thought you—I thought,"
Kaname leaned over her and caressed long fingers through her hair. "Yes?" He waited patiently.
"Never mind." She patted her heart calm. Promptly, she cupped his face worriedly, "Are you better, did my blood help?" Better than waiting, Yuki rummaged silky hair to study his scalp. She was relieved to find the gash had diminished and his scalp was prominently smooth.
Kaname waited for Yuki to sink back on her knees in front of him. "Not quite," He admitted, albeit, it was shadowed by guilt.
Two hours passed after he dismissed Lord Ichijo with the orders to make camp at the Kurenai clan. He should be logical and safety-oriented, but even with Lord Toma missing, a large part of Kaname indulged being with Yuki, sharing her embrace and blood. She wouldn't approve of being physically close unless he indulged in getting kicked in the throat. Now, she completely divested herself of defenses and feared to lose him. Kaname rubbed his temples in circles. His blood swirled with rapturous longing and desire. His arteries hadn't healed, and he could die if left unattended, but Yuki was devoting herself to look after him. He couldn't be happier. It wasn't easy to accept someone's disparagement. If he continued being weak, she'd never let him out of sight. Joy gushed his bloodstreams from the thought. If Yuki continued to worry, she wouldn't dare leave him. He was relieved to have such an exciting opportunity.
"I still feel feverish. My bones hurt and my wounds feel terribly sore," The list could go on. Kaname rasped tightly through clenched fangs and eyes to display his pain.
"How come a pureblood can be so weak?" Yuki was appalled as she mumbled dispiritedly.
"You haven't taken good care of me." Kaname rested his throbbing head against a pale wrist.
She refused to let him down and not be of valuable help. Yuki scooted closer and held by him the shoulders, fear, and worry flickered in her brown-red eyes. "Drink my blood." Pulling him into her arms, Yuki offered her neck.
Kaname nuzzled her soft throat yearningly and tenderly. Her open-hearted warmth enveloped his soul. "You've grown weak from the dragon blade. Your powers haven't recovered. I won't let you deplete. I'd rather die instead of you."
"Stop being dramatic." Yuki chided, blinking away a rim of tears, nevertheless, "I am here to make sure you reach the Southeast. Drink as much as you need."
"Are you sure you don't just want me to kiss you?" Kaname whispered against her flesh, loving how it tinged dark red from his voice.
Yuki frowned down at the nuzzling pureblood. He had closed his eyes serenely and a smile scooped his mouth. "You can kiss the orange-haired woman after you've healed."
"No one can kiss me but you." Kaname tightened his arms around her waist. "I'll double the exchange rate and make it up to you. When it comes to you, I don't care to restrain myself."
Yuki peered at his relaxed and content profile intently. He really meant it that he did not want her to deplete. She smiled haphazardly in secret and examined the hill. Her gaze shifted to the pool of dried blood in the soil. The scent was not decadent anymore but it was tangibly fresh for their senses and still discernible that it was hers. Kaname was incredibly gentle, his bite was deliberate and punctured with precision. He did not want her to tremble in fear or pain, but in exalting pleasure. Yuki hadn't known letting another vampire drink from her could be vulnerable. She had opened a portal to her darkest and slightest inclination and desires. He could read her memories and see into her wayward notions if he wanted. Kaname wasn't the ordinary vampire either. He had tricks and a lot of innocent expressions, but if she remembered accurately, he ripped hearts and turned a mountain to dust within seconds, like it was just a manner of blinking. The human warlords crept diligently around him, their backs skyward and head glued to the ground as soon as he passed by. He could be ruthless but he was also unequivocally gentle. She glanced at his half-asleep smile. Purebloods never disclosed such moments to strangers. A prince brought up by the palace's strict customs did not reveal his basest and latent inner-most desires, he had to convince the world he had none. He must've wanted an excuse to be his true self without being judged or condemned.
The smile on Yuki's lips widened, "Thank you for helping me again, Ouji."
Eyelids parted to reveal dark crimson orbs, the narrowing eyes fleeted toward the blue sky.
"I don't think I can continue being a huntress after we reach the Southeast." She vocalized defeatedly. "The king will continue to hunt me. I have to accept this is my last assignment."
"You promised your eternity with me." Kaname whispered from her arms, "I won't let him take that away from us."
"I will repay you," Yuki vowed. Sadness bleated out of the center of her chest.
Kaname sat up instinctively at the symptom of fear and unwavering submission, he gauged her down-turned face. "What can I do to make you smile?"
A tear resolutely streamed down her right cheek, Yuki forced her voice to peter through the painful cry tinkering in her throat, "You'll continue to protect me from the king and get hurt in the process. I will keep repaying you. One day you'll have to go to slumber or worse. I don't want to see you hurt or close to death ever again, Ouji."
"Sounds good." Kaname simply stated, not an ounce of concern or swept by fear of stamina and confidence by the endless negatives. He could do anything for Yuki. Plummet down the cliff a hundred times if she wanted. So long as she continued to be with him. "You can repay me by taking extremely good care of me," Kaname lifted her face by the chin. She did not seem satisfied since the blood tears doubled and greased her quivering lips. Yuki winced to prevent herself from sobbing relentlessly all over again. Kaname held her face delicately, caressing the tears away. "What will make you happy, Yuki?"
"Look away," She tearfully uttered. Kaname scowled in confusion. She continued softly, "If he gets to me, don't blame yourself, look away and forget me completely."
The crimson dye of his eyes flashed black in instant dislike. Kaname clenched his jaw. His brows tinged in angular marks in a dangerous scowl. "I accept your cruel tongue, and you can be obtuse when it comes to your own heart, Yuki," He sliced distressfully, "Don't say useless things ever again."
"You'll split your head and bleed out. How can you expect me to see you wounded?"
Kaname framed her bloody cheeks. "You really worry about me." He murmured in disbelief.
"Why wouldn't I? We're in the middle of nowhere. Both of us are powerless. Lord Toma could be watching us from behind that tree for all I know. If I don't guard you, you'll ravage the village across the hill. You have no food but me. Drink my blood already."
Kaname curled a powerful arm around her waist and lugged her to him. His lips caressed hers and his breath tingled within her gasping mouth. The darkness of his eyes unsheathed to rapacious red. Kaname mouthed against her lips. "I want to savor every inch, every sip of you," He nipped her upper lip and reveled in her shiver. She limped unresistingly in the bulky strength of his arm that should not have retained strength, given his weak disposition. "I'm the only person who's ever tasted you. We could be surrounded by predators and you cried out, do you think I want to share you with another person?" He growled.
Sinister and betraying chills sensuously streaked down her back, arms and legs. Yuki panted from the successive current raking down her body. Her eyes doubled close at his hypnotizing gaze. His mouth was warm, silk against her lips. He was kissably close. She swallowed her parched throat and felt his arms tensed around her waist to another detrimental degree. Kaname tilted his head and blew on her left ear. Her spine weakened instantaneously. She sagged in his arms.
"The outdoors unveils a rich experience," He licked her throat and slipped another hand down her thigh, "I have to enjoy you in private." A lion teasing its prey, letting it free, but winding it back before it defiantly attempted to flee.
Yuki knew the reason and rhyme, but she was not defiant in the slightest. She swayed as if she were dizzy, lost, and dim-eyed. She couldn't escape because she didn't want to. Why wouldn't he kiss her? She gulped loudly. Every cell in her body wanted to feel his hands and taste him. His hair dripped against her forehead and cheeks. The sharp beating of his chest melted against the chimes of her heart. Yuki feverishly shook her head to wade away the creeping pleasure of his tightening arms and long body. Why was it simple and easy to fall for his tease? She shivered under his moving tongue. Her eyes rolled heavenward. He was back to her carotid pulse, raptly stinging against his tastebuds. Kaname lifted his head decisively and smirked at the glorious blush staining her cheeks and the desire haunting her reddish irises. She looked breathtakingly sensual. Her eyes lit up and her lips full. The curling strands of brown hair stuck to her temples and wet throat. She gasped for more air, looking at him but unable to catch her breath. Yuki extracted out of his bold but tough grip. Kaname noticed her scoot back to exert sufficient and amicable physical distance. His arm hung in the air longer than a second before Kaname consented to her hint with an aloof smile.
"We have to recuperate. There's a village adjacent to the Kurenai clan. They have an ancient stone to help speed my recovery," Kaname caressed her trembling lips with a thumb, "I enjoy your wildness but you need to be docile this time. If you aren't, I'll get hurt. You don't want to see me hurt, do you, Yuki?"
She couldn't take her revenge, but if there stood a chance for Kaname to learn a lesson on appropriating his hands and tongue to himself and stop teasing her, she wasn't sure she could sincerely comply with her pledge as an escort and hunter. "I have second thoughts, a beating won't kill you," Yuki licked her lips, stabilizing her breathing.
Kaname's face did not move as he sterilized the humor with a grave statement. "I keep a close eye on things that are a disadvantage to me. You're dangerous for my heart. I have to keep you close." Among his many clandestine and cunning articulations, Kaname could leverage anything to his advantage. "I don't want men devouring or touching you. I'll risk my broken and torn body to shield you again."
Guilt seared into her heart, her previous indignation waned, a storm dying before it peaked.
Kaname was none the wiser by clutching the side of his throbbing temple, his gloom arduous as his unhealed wounds. "Ugh, your fragile Ouji has no one but you to depend on."
Yuki tried dispelling the bemoan by waving her palms. "I won't let anything happen to you again—ever!"
"You have no powers," Kaname waited on her cynically, "I won't abandon you on the hill, but women can't enter the village."
"No problem, I can disguise as a man," Yuki saluted, "I attended university dressed as a boy. It's no big deal as long as you heal."
Kaname calculated her from head to toe for a scant second but dismissed the despicable notion. "I resent it." He averted.
"Why?"
"I adore you in nicer clothes than rags and fake mustaches." Kaname intolerably folded his arms.
"It'll be temporary. Your healing is important than how I dress."
Kaname relaxed his arms and reached to caress her blood-stained cheek. "I know of a safer way." He assured.
Yuki preferred walking behind the pureblood. She did not know the road to the descendants of the Kurenai and she was not convinced Kaname was well enough to make it. He did not hustle hastily, but he was not sluggish, either. He moved gracefully in front of Yuki. His shadow, a slick cascading blackness on her right, converging with hers under the noon sun. Fortunately, they made quite the distance from the hill by the afternoon despite she had been the one trailing dizzily at his heel. Kaname scanned over the shoulder. It took him a glance to note her fatigue-rimmed eyes, the wheezing drag of gasps in her breath as she pretended to cough in her sleeve. Her steps were awkward and unstable, sashaying left and right that it appeared clumsy or lazy, but she continued without whining or crying, not even mewing for rest. Kaname stalked to a halt on the grass, a shaking pale hand rummaged his temple.
"Argh." He mouthed, cringing his eyes closed.
"What is it?" Yuki gasped alertly and proceeded to steal the hand away from his head, "You don't feel good?"
Kaname swayed and suddenly slouched on her shoulder, "No," He panted in her hair, "I need to sit down."
Hurriedly, Yuki assisted him toward the trees and guided him under the shade. Kaname collapsed against the trunk in need to reclaim his breathing desperately. She fanned his ghost-white face. Her other hand cradled her throbbing head quietly.
"Yuki," Kaname croaked hoarsely, "My wounds aren't healing fast enough."
She anxiously propped next to him on the trunk, an arm cradled him by the shoulders in consolation. "We're almost at the village."
A sheen of sweat glistened across his forehead, Kaname shook his head, peeking at her through the lashes. She was biting her lip, obviously beside herself. "I'm worried. Who will feed you blood if I turn to dust?"
"Is that important right now?" Yuki admonished.
"My blood curbs your blood episodes. If I'm not around, you'll be in pain all the time again," Kaname implicated. "Ever since you returned home after the Toma's enslavement, you stopped sharing your hardships with others. Is it because you don't think you'll be understood or you want to be visibly strong? But I hate how you pretend to not feel what you do deep down."
Her hands had sagged admittedly in her lap. She could not hide the fact from the pureblood who could now see into her memories and desires due to their completed blood bond. He somehow knew about her internal aggravations toward missing him. In the last year, she tried her hardest to stay in Kurashiki and become a better person since she did not become a decent or valued huntress as she wanted. Kaname lurked in her thoughts all the time. She could not evade the fact like it was the sun in the summer. Yuki sighed at the undeniable truth. His blood healed her completely. Yuki turned to study his perspiring profile. He had closed his eyes, wet streaks of hair trembled in the breeze.
Yuki wiped the perspiration from his forehead with her sleeve. Kaname dazedly smiled in his sleep. "My pain recedes when I'm in your arms." He dropped his head on her shoulder, inhaling the rose-scented sweat lining her neck.
She helped recline him comfortably and cradled his head securely on her lap. Her fingers coiled and tugged lightly on his soft hair. Kaname breathed deep and relaxed within seconds. She sat back on the tree trunk. Her eyes were droopy in the oncoming warm breeze. Her hand slowed its movement in his hair in the sunset.
"Ouji," Yuki whispered in the whistling breeze, "A black wolf used to come to Kurashiki. We found it odd because there were no packs in the area. I remember it wandered in the forest of our estate," She peered into Kaname's somnolent profile. "Was it you?"
Kaname did not rustle or twitch under her inspection but continued to sleep soundly.
Yuki whispered to the setting sun, "You never left me, did you?"
Kaname's eyes secretly winked at the dusk.
o o o
Juuri twitched from the crawling sensation down her arms. Dark energy swirled around Haruka's living room like something had turned fetid in a matter of seconds. Shadows pooled the corners of the ceiling, circulating the foyer and kitchen. The sensation became heavier as it flowed up her sternum, curdling the back of her throat. Her crimson eyes frisked wide from the noxious revelation, causing her fox hair to stand in static. She could not dodge or evade him. His shadow hashed through the forgotten crack underneath the front door of the Tsunamasa house, the inevitable warning that if she ran, he'd find her and not let her go. Juuri clenched her fangs and moved through the foyer. A shimmer of black falcons fleeted the courtyard, brushing against the windows of the house as she nudged open the door vehemently.
Long dark hair swayed in the freezing bristle, curtaining dazzling crimsons eyes hooked under scowling brows. Shigeu glared from the courtyard at the pureblood lingering on the threshold of the door. His mouth did not twist or collapse with emotion or words. He simply studied in curt acknowledgment and waited for her to mindfully stop and descend into a graceful bow on the gravel.
"Ou-sama," Juuri breathed, spying upon his impending shadow across the floor, "What a surprise to see you here, I thought you'd be in Kyoto?"
"I should ask you that question," Shigeu growled acidly. His footsteps silent that it did not hint when he stopped directly above Juuri. "I'm stuck housecleaning instead of facing an abominable pureblood threatening our clan and the throne. To be clear, I should be wringing his neck like I promised, but I have to go out of my way to find you hiding in Kurashiki."
"I was on an errand, but the attacks prevented me from travel. I resorted to stay and help watch over the city." Juuri replied.
"You're very thoughtful, Juuri. I wish you could be just as thoughtful toward the rest of us." Shigeu sneered.
She raised her head to meet his acrimonious glare. "You're upset because I came without telling the palace officials."
"Yes, you've grown excellent with keeping secrets," Shigeu slurred bitingly, "You go anywhere without disclosing the clan. A lot sits on your shoulders, I can relate, the future of the Kuran rests in your hands. My brothers and sisters were forced into slumber, and their descendants weren't permitted to rise above the ground. Hanako was raised specifically to be queen. Rido is her guardian but I became soft-hearted and let you join. I wanted to cherish you and watch you help our clan grow."
"Looks like I disappointed you, Ou-sama," Juuri frowned, dipping back on the ground apologetically, "How do I make-"
Shigeu's eyes hardened. "You didn't just disappoint me, you violated the clan's beliefs."
Sharply she reared her head up, wide-eyed and speechless.
Shigeu clenched his claws and his mouth thinned in a bitter, cold line. "Hanako and I adore you very much, Juuri. We can't pretend it never happened."
She sat listless but obedient on the ground, head bowed, "Ou-sama, have heart and forgive me for offending you."
"I wanted you to know the secret you and Lord Tsunamasa kept for over two decades is gone." Shigeu relayed chillingly.
Wind blurred the hair between her eyes, howling against her ears. Panic strummed down her arms and legs, pricking under her skin. Juuri stared grimly at the pureblood king.
He showed no emotion or displeasure as he met Juuri in the eye, evenly and tacitly, "I pushed her over the cliff and watched her descend to her demise. The nefarious trick you and your accomplices played on our clan is inexpiable. You are still an essential member of the clan, but your deed was a mistake."
Juuri was shaking her head frantically.
He scanned the residence piteously, "The Tsunamasa clan is loved. Kurashiki belonged to them, but they gave the land away tax-free so the locals can have a better life. You're a Kuran, your pureblood children will be part of my lineage and Kaname's lineage, you cannot be eliminated, but Lord Tsunamasa will be punished. A non-pureblood having a relationship with a pureblood is not only obscene but forbidden."
She began sobbing and covering her face.
"If you want," Shigeu did not look at her and glared at the house, "I can erase the memories of this place and the inhabitants from your mind. You'll have a peaceful future."
"Ou-sama," Juuri sobbingly dropped her wet hands in her lap, shaking from unquenchable wails, "Why?"
He regarded her coldly, untaxed by her lamenting cries. "You know very well why it had to be this way. You belong with a pureblood and your children must be pureblood as well. We cannot have a half-pureblood Kuran."
"Yuki was part of your lineage," Juuri gurgled tearfully, "Normally vampire children are born too far apart in age and time. Yuki came two months after Kaname was born. They made a tangibly comforting pair."
Shigeu closed his eyes to pry the nonsense from his mind as if the notion should not ensure registration. "Kaname is the future king. He doesn't need to waste energy on half-purebloods."
"Have you forgotten?" Juuri tearfully gaped at him, "A long time ago, you flew among eagles and found comfort in someone who inspired you to stand and fight. She was your reason, you never had a person by your side. Kaname needs Yuki. He softens her. She gives him purpose. They hone each other's fire, strike a balance, and empower each other. Didn't it feel amazing conquering the seas with her on your side? She toasted her cup to you and aided you in becoming the king who silenced wars."
Shigeu stared silently into the empty, wailing wind. His hair a caressing rustle around the shoulders and back, shadowing his profile like a dark veil. His soul wallowed like a barren, tireless drum, an echoless hum in the revolving distance, leading and landing nowhere.
"I had every right to protect my family. Haruka doesn't deserve to be punished," Juuri fiercely stabled her feet on the ground and shot to her height, "All he did was fall in love with me. Yuki couldn't help being born, my little girl, whom I couldn't nurture and hold. Why should she have to die? I should be the one receiving punishment." She quiveringly spelled out, "What'll it be?"
Darkly, Shigeu's glare lanced the trembling, sobbing pureblood. He'd never seen Juuri weep before. She was absolutely torn. Unable to keep silent, she wept continuously in her sleeve. "Whether you like it or not, Lord Tsunamasa will be punished."
"I will go to slumber!" Juuri shrieked.
Shigeu considered the offer impassively.
"You'll never have to see me, or fret over the clan's reputation."
"I don't wish to not see you," Shigeu accorded, "You're dear to our hearts."
"You may as well consider me dead." Juuri hissed. "I have become motherless yet again and failed the only man I love."
"You will love again," Shigeu corrected indifferently, "You'll marry and go on to have many pureblood children."
She still shook her head deploringly. "No, Ou-sama, Yuki is dead. You should uphold the law fairly and set the tone. I broke the rules and formed a bond with Haruka. I chose to give birth to Yuki. Obviously I should be punished. Don't you see what a mistake you're making by letting me go?"
Shigeu nodded, "If you go to slumber, you'd rise after my lineage dies. Kaname is like a son to you, can you live without ever seeing him?"
Tears trickled down her cheeks, heavily. "But I won't see Yuki again, either."
"I will decide on your punishment after I've dealt with Lord Tsunamasa." Shigeu conveyed emotionlessly, "I won't discuss further with you, neither will I promise you Lord Tsunamasa's life." He morphed into a black falcon, swooping up into the clouds, dragging the turbulent wind with him as he coalesced, a black dot, in the white fog.
Sobbing, Juuri sagged resignedly on the ground, doubling over.
o o o
She slept for three hours under the tree. Hard not to, her powers were absorbed by the dragon blade and she'd given him her blood. She was more than exhausted. Kaname watched in silent amusement from Yuki's lap. Above, the branches shivered and leaves sprinkled on her shoulders and landed on him. He smiled at her sleeping face and caressed her pliable and parted lips. Yuki could walk for days and fight until she collapsed. He deduced it was the hunter training that made her that way. He had been reading her for years, her non-vocal manners and tetchy slurs, but she'd give up her life for the right cause. She could've confessed the name of her pureblood mother and used it to save her father and herself, but she chose to preserve Juuri.
Kaname roused the half-pureblood awake with a tender, deep kiss on the lips. Her mouth softened instinctively. She responded to the warmth of his mouth with a tentative shake of the head. Kaname pulled away as soon as her eyes blinked open. Sleep illuminated a satin fairytale into her hazy eyes, she smiled sweetly at Kaname.
"Yuki." He smiled.
Reality crumbled the dream in her eyes. She blinked and the iridescent sheen disappeared as she startled up, gaping widely at the pureblood and their whereabouts. "Huh? I just had a strange dream."
Kaname was brushing his jacket free of dirt and leaves on his feet. He looped his arms into a neat and graceful fold across his chest, hilariously eyeing her through the lashes. "Tell me about it?"
Her paws were on the floor as she stabled a questioning gaze on the crowned prince. "I was looking cute and a lewd man made a move on me."
His red eyes triumphantly flashed before closing in devious relish at the partly false yet considerably true claim. "You must be missing your fiancé." He noted her caress her lips in confused submission.
Yuki's disfavor churned as she grumbled under her breath. "Hanabusa is too noble to put his hands on me. He seems to be the type who wants to have fun after marriage." She flicked her cloak and hair of leaves.
Kaname paused, a brow raised, "And, you're not?"
Yuki paused at his provoking look of zealous interest. Far be it for the pureblood to entertain emotion on his countenance but his eyes had changed to stark red. "I want to have many love affairs around the world, Ouji. I roamed with men on assignments. I know what they crave. A woman has needs too, but I have to grovel at your feet for 2,500 years. Hanabusa might be the only affair I'll get to have." She mumbled ruefully at the prospective future if she evaded the king's claws.
"Why would you need to have affairs if you're freer and happier with me?" Kaname countered. "The Aidous may be able to protect you from the king. He'll be unstoppable after learning you survived. It'll take everything in their power to confront him. Hanabusa Aidou is decent and matches the Tsunamasa reputation only, but you aren't married yet. What if your heart wavers before it happens?"
Like it hasn't already.
"I can grow to love him." Yuki determinedly vowed.
"What if you can't? A person decides to spend eternity with the one he loves, shouldn't he do everything in his ability to win her? We're not humans. Our heart doesn't regurgitate love at the earliest convenience or at the sight of a likable face. Our eternity is spent loving one person and heartbroken after their death. Most purebloods dare not to fall in love. The risk is a life-long sentence of joy and agonizing loss. And still, we can't help ourselves from trying." His hypnotic red eyes narrowed on Yuki.
"Women will always throw themselves at you. You have an eternity to enjoy the spoils of hot-blooded affairs. Love is laughable to purebloods." She dismissed.
Kaname lazily tilted his head to the left, looking at her in silent laughter, a sly smile hooked his lips. "You think I won't be loyal to you?"
Yuki froze at Kaname's magnetizing smirk of amusement and the sound of a devilish snicker clattered in the darkness. She shivered from the silk words wading the wind, licking her skin as it aired.
"A concupiscent woman like you yearns to be caressed and teased frequently. I'll keep you on your toes." Kaname whispered.
Her eyes peeled back wider than ever. Her breath lodged in her throat, croaking a shiver at his disarming stare, she flung around. "You don't know what you're saying," She defied.
"Deep down in the marrow of your bones and heart, you crave pure, excitable love. Your blood doesn't tremble with desire or lust at the thought of him. He can hide you with reputation and kindness, but he can't give you what you want." Kaname remarked in unperturbed scorn, "He doesn't deny how he feels, and despite being in love, Hanabusa Aidou fails to win your heart. I thought it was fair he serenaded you with affection if it made you happy. Around him, you don't smile from the bottom of your heart. While the need for safety and protection from the king and the Seven Distinguishable is imperative, shouldn't you be happy with the person you marry?"
"He is a good person, and we're good for each other."
"I don't have real-life references on what love is like. I was born specifically to extend the Kuran clan, an asset. You, on the other hand, have a better idea."
"Better?" Yuki turned warily, "My parents never recovered from their heartbreak."
"You are a child of love, Yuki. I taste it in your blood."
She composedly regarded the crowned prince and intoned empathetically, "Their relationship taught me not to be ignorant of the nation's echelon."
Kaname summed her glare over a nonchalant smirk, "I did have a hand in promising Haruka-sama you'd agree to marry. I didn't, however, make a promise to marry you to Hanabusa Aidou. I'd be complacent if you became part of the Ichijo clan. I can't deny Takuma, I've always spoiled him. Whatever you wanted, Yuki, I'd adhere to it." Kaname studied the strangling knot of emotion wire through her brown-red eyes, she frowned at the ground. "I'll break anything if it does not make you happy, Yuki."
"I just want to be free." She quivered undeniably, alone, to herself, "I don't want to be shamed for being a half-pureblood. I wish my father could've been happy with her, even if that meant I wasn't around."
"It wouldn't be fair to me," Kaname ambled toward Yuki. His arms trailed across her back assuringly, "Then I wouldn't have you."
Yuki chortled, drying the absentminded tears on her sleeve, "You can at least keep your sweet nonsense under control, Ouji."
Kaname's eyes glimmered passionately at her upturned face. "Everything I say is true, Yuki. I'd let you have your way to make you feel better, but entering the village is a challenge. If the men smell or see you, they'll take your life force."
"I can sneak in," Yuki began formulating, "You can greet them and gain entry. After they've gone to sleep, let me in."
If only it was that easy. Always an ulterior method, the crook liked to keep herself busy. He did not want to make the slightest error. Kaname pinned a delicate stare on her. He drizzled his fingers through her dirt-coated hair. "You don't need to say or do anything, Yuki." The hand on her head came to a conscious yield. "Revert." He whispered.
Her arms and legs powdered into mist before his eyes. The shimmering incandescent form whizzed into a fluttering, small butterfly. Kaname admired the frangible looking lavender creature, a unique juxtaposition to the petite stubborn half-pureblood in physical form. He couldn't hear Yuki's voice or her unruly rampage on his decision to oust her forcefully in her vampire essence, but they had to be cautious and smart about their movements. The butterfly flapped its wings indignantly in front of his face, fiercer and faster, he was vaguely reminded of Lord Ichijo's hummingbird.
"These spells are timed, but there is always a loophole," Kaname explained in a balmy and liquid tone, as if speaking to a child, "Lord Toma spelled me for thirty minutes. If you break it, I will reward you. Hide in my collar." Kaname gestured to his coat.
The butterfly kept fluttering rapidly in front of him, in outright opposition.
"Hnh, even in this form, you are you," Kaname remarked. "Stay close to me." He detected her reluctance, but she complied ultimately and slipped next to his throat and hair, resting against his skin. Kaname realized he could not sense or feel her touch. She consisted of light and needed the fresh sun to maintain the form for long periods of time. Established vampires like Asato Ichijo, his son, Lord Ichijo could roam in their vampire essence for months. Untrained vampires like Yuki did not have the stamina to last long.
o o o
Kaname regarded the boulder of an owl. The daunting statue identified the signature Kurenai clan. The road split as did the clan descendants. One fork led to the original clan members, the other, to the all-male descendants practicing medicine. Kaname pushed a hand on the latch and watched it unbolt upon his presence. The metal unhinged from phantom hands and the doors drew open to reveal a man in a simple black gown. The silver-haired vampire observed Kaname. His narrowed eyes flicked wide from puzzlement to reverence.
"Ko-Kotaishi Kaname Shinno?" The Kurenai descendant gasped, "Is it really you?"
"Forgive my intrusion, I have come from battle and was in the area." Kaname was interrupted by the Kurenai's squeak.
"Area? The battle was in our backyard. Rumors about your disappearance have spread like a disease. The chonin fear Lord Toma will attack any moment," The Kurenai despaired from his bowing position, "Take what you need, my lord. We don't have armor, but we have salves and tonics for the ailing vampire. If it can support your army, we would be very pleased to offer it to you."
"We would be grateful," Kaname murmured.
Without lifting his head, the Kurenai scuttled sideways and waved his arms toward the village. "My lord, come inside."
It did not take long for the head of the village and aides to crowd Kaname. They lined across the floor inside of the village head's home.
"We offer our services and aides, my lord." The head of the village voiced from his crouched bow on the floor. "We'll have them ready in less than two hours."
"One hour!"
"Before it takes an incense to burn out, my lord!"
Kaname locked his arms in a languid and soft curl across the waist as he listened to the exclamative offers. The longer they continued, he grew wearier and zoned out their drones. Kaname rubbed his temples, sighing softly at their increasing chatter. "That won't be necessary, but thank you. I didn't come to ask for assistance on behalf of my army. We suffered, but we will recover. I'm here on a personal request and would like my visit to be discreet."
The head of the village and his aides assented immediately. "I understand, my lord," He sighed in relief, lurching in another bow before speaking, "Your safety won't be compromised."
"Lord Toma isn't my only worry," Kaname stated. "I'm ashamed to impose on you under these conditions, but the situation leaves me no choice. My pregnant bride needs my blood. If we stay apart from each other, she will fall sick."
The head of the village's black eyes slicked wide. "You married, my lord?"
Kaname shouldered the question artfully, "Love at first sight makes us passionate and impatient to be together. We want to treat each moment together preciously."
"Love at first sight?" The aides incredulously mumbled beside the wide-eyed village head.
"She loved me from the moment she saw me, not because I was a pureblood, but she sensed an uncanny belonging she'd never felt with her own family. It's strange, to say the least, I come from a monarchy, and she resents strict rules, but I find her extremely warm and lovable. She misses me to the point she becomes sick. I don't have the heart or mind to be cruel and need to return to her as soon as possible."
"Congratulations, my lord." The aides cheered.
"What good news, the king must be overjoyed to have a grandchild on the way," The head of the village grinned, "We're eager to accelerate your treatment." His black eyes scanned Kaname dubiously as he stroked his beard, "I can see your arteries are damaged. Your heart is overworking to repair the body. You have a lot weighing on your mind, preventing rest. Good thing you arrived or your capillaries would burst, and your nervous system would shut down. We have a suitable resting place underground, my lord."
Kaname allowed his head to tilt an inch down. "That would be appreciated."
"We'll make preparations for you to use the cave. Do not overexert yourself." He advised before pausing hesitantly, "How did you acquire the internal injuries? My vision can see into your organs. Your bones were crushed and there remains internal bleeding in the cranium. You appear calm, but it must be strenuous and agonizing to sit and walk in your condition." The village head turned anxiously toward his aides, "Don't prolong the lord's suffering. Start the necessary preparations."
"Yes," The aides galloped to their feet and bowed toward Kaname. They propelled out of the room and out to the corridors.
The head of the village revealed a controlled smile, "There's no need to conceal it, you're in a great deal of pain. The Water of Life alone isn't enough. I'll arrange some elixirs to heal your bones, blood, and to ease your mind to help you sleep." He alertly stiffened at a pair of wings swiping around the pureblood.
The light butterfly sat patiently and peacefully on Kaname's nose. Its wings slowed and stopped, but the pureblood merely closed his eyes in unvocalized defeat and cooperation.
"Shall I take the gnat off of you?" The head of the village offered, fumbling on his knees to lean over Kaname and outstretched an organized palm to smite the nuisance.
"Don't," Kaname opened his bright red eyes, his growl curling around the room like swinging black blades.
"Oh," He gingerly pulled back but continued to gape at the enigma.
"This is my butterfly," Kaname winked down his nose at its striking performance of slowly flapping wings without an inclination to flutter to safety. If it was prudent, it would hide. But it was Yuki, no doubt, aggrieved. "I keep her close at all times. She has grown attached, but she needs some disciplining."
The butterfly whipped off of Kaname's nose in irrevocable disapproval.
The head of the village lord blinked from the pureblood to the frilly looking fly, "We have bug incense, it can put 'her' to sleep."
"Giving her toxins will not aid her health or prolong her life. I'd ask you to be considerate and treat her health better than mine." Kaname murmured. "She is meant to be with me for eternity."
The head of the village stared raptly as the butterfly crept around Kaname's shoulder and landed on his head, leader, and master of the eternal pureblood. "I am not sure butterflies can live for eternity," He gulped nervously, "We don't carry elixirs to extend life. You're an unrepeatable exception, my lord. Kuran pure blood is the strongest force in the world. Our medicine will help you heal fast. I'll go and get things in order." He waded out of the room, casting questioning stares over the shoulder.
The butterfly looped around his head and landed like a bright, sharp light on his nose. Kaname hadn't opened his eyes to acknowledge its distracting dance or show of ire, even if it looked like fiercely flapping wings and whirling dizzily from left to right. "If you know what's good for you, you wouldn't waste your energy," Kaname commented beneath sturdy breathing, his eyes remained glued shut in sentient bliss. "Our vampire essence consumes energy if we don't practice in the form often. You'll deplete before the day ends, quell your irritation."
The butterfly shoved past his nose, flapping into his right ear.
"I will make it up to you. Somehow I doubt you have the heart to kick me in the shin like you used to." He remarked, a knowing smile accompanied the following words, "You'll explode into tears seeing me hurt. Did you find a loophole in the spell?" He waited for the butterfly to reveal the technique in utmost amusement.
The butterfly floated in front of Kaname in dismay for not breaking the spell.
"I won't let them touch you," Kaname warmly confided.
She softly sat on the tip of his nose in understanding.
"Don't be sad. My bleeding will cease and my arteries will heal," Kaname smiled gently at the whimpering flutter of the wings in concordance.
o o o
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