*waves* Hi-hi~! ( ̄▽ ̄)ノ
I've got tons of love from readers that made my heart weep with happiness. Yeah... I can be a little bit emotional. *sheepishly*
I changed the genre a little bit, by the way. I just noticed how much angst this story has so, it's more fitting.
ALSO! *almost forgot*
Do you readers want me to add this story on AO3? *curious*
Annnnnd, I also want to mention...
I have been calculating how many chapters this story will have and boy, oh boy... it's a lot. Like... oh my God... So, I decided to make this story of Trilogies Books. There are three stories. Because it's easier for me this way.
*wiggle eyebrows* Ya know, what that means? It means that this first book is almost done.
Looking forward to that? *hopeful*
English is not perfect, but I tried my best!
I don't own Vampire Knight. None. Nope. Nada. Zip. Non. Iie.
Enjoy~ *kisses*
Location: Unknown
Night…
The moon in the night cloudless sky was a warm milky glow as if the sight of it could become a song in the eyes of anyone willing to raise their head upward. Unless they didn't notice the black smoke making dark columns into the night sky. It leads to the blazing orange and red flames that are burning the mansion like a bonfire set with gasoline. The color of white paint disappearing by licking flame, the once blue door was already burning, making the paint bubbled consumed in seconds by the intense heat. Windows blew out sending hot shards of glass into the unkempt yar. It was an inferno that would burn itself out, putting the fire out early would only increase the length of the demolition afterward.
From the safe distance, a tall and lean figure of a young man with messy, ash brown hair with nose-length bangs, hazel eyes, fair skin and he wears a black tight collar sleeveless top, black military cargo pants tucked into black combat boots, black leather gloves, sai weapon-holster wrapped around his right thigh, and sterling-silver cross earring dangling from his left ear. He hummed with contentment and satisfaction that he had accomplished his mission to eliminated Level Es vampires.
Then a ringtone heard which snapped the hunter muse. His hazel eyes shifted over the tree nearby where he hooks up his trench coat as he doesn't want to ruin it when he prepares to arson the house since it was infected by Level Es bloodsuckers. He ambled toward it, grabbed his phone from the inner pocket, and answered it. "Hai?"
"Are you interested in undercover?" he blinked at the sudden question from his master.
"Undercover? What's going on, Master? Does this have something to do with that Cross Academy?" he asked, curious as he leaned against the trunk while watching the fire licking the house down.
"It's more than that. Let's just say, I need new eyes in this school. Especially a trustworthy one." The hunter frowned with contemplative. "So, you interested?"
"Of course, Master. Not only I get to see you and this so-called truce school for both humans and vampires… but I get to see Zero." A playful smirk appeared on his face.
A snort heard from his Master. "Prepare to stay at the Academy as a student for a while, brat." Then he hangs up. The hunter chuckled slightly amused as he lowered his phone. "I can't wait to see you again, Zero." He hummed, happy and excited to see his pseudo-brother.
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..
…
Bloodline of Sin
Night Twenty-One
"Reluctant"
…
..
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Cross Academy
Chairman's Office
A Week Later…
The Final Exam is finally over. The Day students and Night students are preparing to leave the school ground to head the bus that will transport them to the Great Hall to decorate for the Masquerade Ball. Inside the office, Kaien is sulking in his leather chair seat while ignores the paperwork that is overflowing on his desk. In front of him, Yagari glares at the Chairman with exasperatedly scowling while Zero is leaning on the wall with slight sweatdropped.
"You're still sulking?" Yagari's eye twitches with disbelief.
Kaien whines. "I don't like having another hunter in my school, you know that Yagari!" he slumped over his desk, uncaringly the mess of paperwork as few documents fly away from the desk onto the ground. The hunter rolled his eye while Zero just mentally sighed by his pseudo-father's dramatic sulk.
"I already told you. We need another pair of eyes. Did you forget that you forced the Night teacher role onto me?" Yagari paused then snorted. "Nevermind. Almost forgot that I'm talking to a moron. Of course, you forget." He sarcastically said.
The Chairman whines louder. "You are so mean to me!" he pouted. "I just don't want to have a stranger in my school, causes unnecessary chaos." He grumbled, childishly.
"Relax. He won't cause any trouble." Yagari stared at his old friend with a serious eye. "It's him. Takamiya, Kaito." Zero perked up at the familiar name that he grew up together, his pseudo-brother and old partner during missions. He hasn't seen his faithful old partner for so long. Zero was upset when he learned that Kaito sacrificed himself to save the little girl from Level Es. That little girl happened to be Kaito's long-lost daughter.
Zero's mind went back to his own time.
[Flashback]
The gravestone was as white as the crystalline snow. Under the steady glow of the full moon, it seemed to have an aura of its own. A little girl reached out as her tiny fingers touch the marble, trace over the black engraved lettering but then she quickly removed the glove. Her bare fingers blanched in the wintery wind, but she didn't care.
She feels the stone underneath her bare fingertips, carefully touching and tracing the letters over and over with a sad smile on her face. "It's beautiful… polished and smooth." She whispered, happily yet ting of sadness.
Behind her, Zero watches her with a solemn face. His amethyst eyes darken when he silently read the name of his old partner/pseudo-brother. He vowed to watch over his friend's daughter and protect her.
"Zero…" the little girl dropped her hands as she tilted her head. "…can you take me to mama?" Zero's eyes soften and made hummed noise for her.
The silver-haired hunter lowered himself to help the little girl to stand on her tiny feet. He adjusted the scarf around her neck and gently brushed the stray of her brown hair away from her beautiful glossy milky-brown orbs that stared at nothingness. "Don't let go of my hand." Zero whispered to his pseudo-brother's blind daughter softly.
"Hai!" the little brunette girl beamed understandingly.
Zero glanced one last time at the gravestone with slight mourn and carefully helped to lead the little girl to her mother's grave.
[End of Flashback]
The silver-haired hunter mentally shook off the memory. Unaware of the tense atmosphere between the ex-legendary hunter and the hunter. The Chairman stared straight at his old friend's eye. "Kaito…" he whispered softly, blankly.
"Hn." Yagari nods his head as he crossed his arms. He needs a cigarette which he left in his private room. He will have to get it soon after he finishes the talk with Kaien.
Kaien stared at his old friend for a moment then closed his eyes. "…alright." He reluctantly accepted. "But he will have to take upon Prefect duty, like Zero and Yuuki. And he has to follow the rules, or I will kick him out." He opens his eyes to reveal his sharp stern hazel orbs at Yagari.
"He won't break the rules." The hunter said with a firm gaze. "Kaito is one of the most responsible and trustworthy hunters."
Zero mentally agreed with his Master. Kaito is one of the best hunters, and also one of the strongest and most intelligent when it comes to missions. After all, Kaito is a natural-born leader when he wants to be.
"Fine…" Kaien leaned back against his leather chair. "I will prepare the form and everything for Takamiya, Kaito to enroll in this school."
The hunter looks relieved and content. "Good. Now, if you excuse me… I have to leave to tutors some vampire brats." He made a face, then nod his farewell to his student and left the office quietly.
The Chairman sighed softly then shifted his hazel eyes to silent Zero. "Zero-chan…" the silver-haired hunter twitch by the suffix of his name but ignores it. "…there is someone who requests for you to play the piano for the Masquerade Ball." Kaien informed the silver-haired hunter.
Zero frowns at his pseudo-father with confusion. "What?" he doesn't understand why anyone requests him to play the instrument for the dance. "Why should I?" in fact, who the hell knew that he could play piano?
Kaien gap at him. "So it is true! You can play the piano?! How come you haven't told me that, Zero-channnnn!" he whined, sulking that he didn't know about this information of his pseudo-son.
"Shut up." Zero grumbled, pushed himself off the wall, and step forward to the Chairman's desk. "Isn't there musical professionals who can do the whole play instruments for the Masquerade Ball?" he asked, puzzled.
The ex-hunter hummed softly as he calms down. "There are… but they want to hear you play your solo. Just one song will be enough." He could see his pseudo-son going to reject. "Please—think about it, first? The ball will be happening tomorrow night so, at least think about it and let me know your final answer tomorrow. Okay?"
Zero stared at the legendary ex-hunter for a brief moment then nodded his head. "Fine." Kaien beamed at him. "I better leave now." He mumbled, unwillingly that he has to leave the school ground to the Daybreak Great Hall to watch over students decorate.
"See you later~!" Kaien waves cheerfully at his pseudo-son who walks out of his office. Once the doors shut, a smile dropped from his face as his hazel eyes dimmed with solemn. Silence in the office for a moment when the Chairman pushed himself off the seat.
Kaien walked to the bookshelf, grabbed one of the thick books, and skipped few pages until he paused an old-age photo. He gently takes the photo from the book and carefully examined it with forlorn and sorrow in his eyes.
In the photo, there were three children who are standing in front of the large mansion. A little girl who had dark-blonde hair that tied up high ponytail with full bangs, hazel eyes, fair skin, and she wore a simple red summer dress with straps, brown boots, and wears a golden sun pendant. Next to her, is a little boy who had ash-blonde hair that grown to his shoulders, hazel eyes, fair skin, and wore a dark-blue tank top, white shorts, brown boots, and a silver moon pendant. Lastly, another little girl had ash-blonde hair that grown to her hips with side bang, wide hazel eyes, fair skin and she wore a white summer dress with thin straps, white sandals and wore a glitter star pendant. She was sitting on her legs, in front of two children wrapped around her, all three of them are beaming at the camera.
The ex-hunter stared at the photo while placed the book back on the shelf. He ambled toward the window quietly while gently stroke the children on the photo. A sad smile appeared on his face once he reached the window, shifted his gaze up at the lovely blue sky. "Are you watching over them, girls?" he whispered, sadly.
Kaien lifted his free hand to his neck, grabbed a leather cord that was hidden underneath his shirt, gently taking it out, and revealed all three pendant charms. A golden sun, a silver moon, and a mixture of gold and silver glitter star. He covered the charms in one hand while his other hand, holding the photo of his two sisters. "Kaori… Kanon… I missed you both so much." He closed his teary eyes.
The legendary ex-hunter may be one of the strongest men in the world, but there are times that he is allowed to be weak and mourn over his loss.
And this is that time for him to silently cries alone in the lonely office.
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Daybreak Town
Daybreak Great Hall – Ballroom
Later…
The large great hall was cold and untouched for centuries as if waiting for the real heart to beat a new rhythm into the matter that made it. To bring it alive, warmth, and love by humans. And slowly, the great hall is being decorated by both humans and vampires to put up in the ballroom.
It was going to be magnificent and beautiful once the decoration will be finish. Day Students are in charge of setting up lights, tables, and props while Night Students are in charge of flowers, candles, curtains, and props that could potentially harm Day Students.
They've been decorating nonstop for a couple of hours and the ballroom was half-way done. During the preparation, Yuuki and Yori are setting up the tables with other Day Students. The brunette Prefect shivers in comedic paled when she felt the dark aura from a certain class president who is still upset with her.
Yori glanced up at Yuuki who paused as she gently set the folded dark violet cloth-napkin on the table next to the clear-plastic plate. "What's wrong?" she asked the brunette with concern.
"Uh… I can still feel his anger glares…" Yuuki answered with sheepishly and discomfort. Yori blinked at her then glanced over Yuuki's shoulder. She saw the class President glaring at Yuuki's back while holding the lights in the distance.
Yori hummed understandingly then send sympathy at Yuuki. "You did study, didn't you?" she did help Yuuki for a bit and she knew that Yuuki's father helped her tutor with her study for the Exam.
"My father did, he taught me as much as he could. But…" Yuuki paused, trailed off with a confused frown. She has been studied for a week before Exam Day, however, she got distracted and lost. It's almost as if she lost few hours of studying. "…when I try to answer my test… I sort of forget everything."
Yori frowns with concern. "Well… at least the Night Students are helping us." She said with a soft smile. "It's not too bad. Plus, we get to see the decoration of this amazing Great Hall when we're finished." She said, positive. Yuuki smiles gratefully at her best friend and nods her head with agreement. They both return to their duties.
Meanwhile, Zero walked around while keeping his eyes out for any vampires and humans who either break the rules or any blood spill. He was honestly thankful that he and Yuuki won't be the only Prefects in the Cross Academy. With Kaito to join, it will be a bit easier for having three Prefects.
The silver-haired hunter frowned when he recalled that Kaito doesn't know that he is an unofficial vampire. He knew that Kaito accepted him from his other life because they were sworn brothers in all but blood. He wondered if this timeline, this life that will Kaito accept him for him?
Zero hopes so, because he needs Kaito in his life, just like he needs his Master, Kaien, Kain, and Sanctus. He hummed quietly to himself as he wondered what his ancestor's lover is doing right now.
The silver-haired hunter raised his amethyst orbs to his surroundings once again, surveyed out of habit for any potential danger. The ballroom is large that he might have trouble if he is the only Prefect to watch over the students. Fortunately, Yagari and Kaien will be attending the ball as well so he won't be alone.
He attempted to recall his other life when there was a dance party, but it was so long ago. He somewhat remembered that he went to watch and Yuuki attended the party because of a certain Pureblood Prince.
However, things are different now in this timeline. Zero crossed his arms as he stood next to the window while examined the ballroom once again. He thought about earlier today when his pseudo-father informed him that someone requested him to play the piano. The silver-haired hunter wondered why anyone wants him to play the instrument. It has been too long for him to play. It's been nearly a hundred years since he touches the cold keys.
Zero doesn't know if he could play, because the last time he played was when his family were alive. He closed his eyes and continue thinking. Zero doesn't hate the idea of performing the piano, but he was hesitant, scare, and nervous. Because once he starts playing, he will start remembering his family, and not only that, music was—is—in his blood. He knew that his father adored playing instruments, Tsukiya was mastered with piano, violin, cello, flute, guitar, and wagner tuba. However, Tsukiya loved the piano the most, which was one of the reasons why he taught Zero how to play.
The silver-haired hunter also recalled how his father also taught his twin brother how to play the violin. Ichiru was naturally at it. Zero wondered if he and his twin brother weren't born with rare bloodlines, weren't involves with any hunter business… would they both become musicians?
Would he become a famous pianist while his twin becomes a famous violinist if it wasn't for the vampires that exist in the world?
Zero could almost see it, the impossible dream of a life with his family. His birth mother watches him and his twin with pure adoration and love. His father looks proud and pride. He and his twin, on the stage, as they play their instruments together.
It was a beautifully impossible dream that Zero desire to have.
Unfortunately, that was not his fate.
His muse was interrupted when a roll of tape dropped on the ground, rolling in his direction as a soft voice protested. "Ah!" he blinked as he glanced down at the clear duct tape. "Sorry, can you please get it?" Zero bends down to picked it up and glanced at the Day Student girl who is holding up the string of violet and black stars as she is sitting on top of the ladder while another Day Student boy is holding the ladder.
Zero sauntered toward them calmly and handed the clear duct tape to the girl who bends down with a small grateful polite smile. "Thank you, Kiryuu-kun."
The silver-haired hunter just nod his head and glanced around the ballroom once again. So far, none of the students are causing any troubles much to his relief. Zero starts walking around the large great hall for a moment until he paused when his amethyst eyes spotted a stage where instruments are held.
He stared at the piano in the distance with contemplative. It's a breathtakingly beautiful black Grand Piano. His fingers slightly twitch as he feels the urge to touch the cold smooth keys. His fingers curled into fists and tore his gaze away from the piano.
Could he really play the piano tomorrow night?
Could he really do it when his past still haunting him?
'Can I really play it without breakdown?' that was one of his most fear.
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Cross Academy
Outdoor
Meanwhile…
Kaito has arrived at the Cross Academy ground while his hazel orbs observed the buildings and woods with thoughtful. He shoves his hands into his leather trench coat's pockets while walking around. He is taking his time to get used to the ground since he will be attending this school as a Day Student of the Sun Class.
He hummed with interest by his surroundings. He has heard few things from his Master about Cross Academy and how the legendary ex-hunter who is now a Chairman of the school. He knew that the Night Students of the Moon Class are vampires.
Kaito made a face when he thought about being near the vampires without pulling out his sai weapons. He was somewhat disappointed, but he respects his Master and the legendary ex-hunter too much for that, so he decided to hold onto his weapons back.
However, that doesn't mean he will allow any vampires to mock him or treated him low life. He will show them just how fearless and strong he is. The vampires will be wary around him.
The hunter will make sure of that. Kaito paused by the outdoor pool with slight intrigue. He hasn't swum in the pool for a very long time. Kaito loves to swim without care because it makes him feel free and happy. He loves the water. He couldn't help but bend down by the edge of the pool, carefully yet gracefully reached his long fingers to touch the cold-chilling water.
A small smile appeared on his handsome face as he watches how the water makes a rippled pattern. His hazel eyes soften when he recalled how he always jumps in the pool while holding his older brother's hand. It was so long ago that made him feel nostalgic and longing. How he wishes he could hold his brother's hand one more time that made him feel safe and warm.
His muse suddenly interrupted when his hunter instinct poked him sharply. He instantly took out one of his sai weapons, twirling it around his finger effortlessly as he whirled around on his knee. His hazel eyes sharply harden when he spotted a noble vampire step forward. "Shouldn't you be in your Moon dorm, vampire." He spat, distastefully at the tall vampire with wild orange hair and burnt-orange eyes.
"I should…" the vampire agreed with a lazily smile on his face as he calmly shoves his hands in his pockets. "…but then I sense unfamiliar aura, so I had to investigate just to be safe. Who would've thought I find a hunter." He stated, coolly yet his burnt-orange eyes harden cautiously.
Kaito snorted as he stood on his feet while eyeing the vampire warily. "Get used to my aura, vampire. Since I will be attending this school." He said with a cold smirk on his face, yet his hazel eyes filled with a flare of hatred.
The vampire's eyes glint with surprise and curiosity. "Is that so? Then should you be on your way to the Chairman's office? Do you need a guide?"
The hunter made a disgusted face when he thought about a vampire helping him. "No." he bluntly rejected. "I do not want help from a noble vampire." He unwillingly put one of his sai weapons back in his inner holster inside of his trench coat.
"Hey now… I'm not just a noble vampire." He placed his hand on his heart with a faux-offended look. "I'm Akatsuki, Kain." Kain introduced himself formally with a lazy smile. "May I know your name, hunter-san?"
Kaito scowled at him. "I don't care about you nor your name, vampire. Go away and try not to burn the woods while you're at it." He snippy said.
The wild vampire blinked at him confused and perplexed. "Wait—how did you?" he never told anyone about his fire ability except his family and friends.
"Akatsuki, Kain. The B-Level Noble Vampire who has Fire ability. I've done my research." Kaito bluntly said, disinterested. "I was not aware I met one so soon when I arrive here."
Kain hummed with intrigued. "And you won't tell me of your name?" Kaito scowled at him then turned around to walk away. "Aww… hunter-san, you are breaking my heart."
"Good." Kaito grumbled as he is getting away from the lazy vampire. He doesn't want to deal with the noble vampire. Kaito needs to head over to the Chairman's office as soon as possible before he seriously uses his weapon on the vampires or vampires who might attack him because he didn't have his school uniform yet.
Kaito paused when he heard the soft footstep behind him, he whirled around and glare at innocently Kain who is staring at him with confusion. "Are you—are you following me?" the ash-brown-haired hunter demanded suspiciously.
"Yes." Kain openly said.
The hunter twitched with irritated and suspicious. "Why?"
The Noble Vampire hummed with thoughtful. "Well, you are new and while I don't doubt that you could handle yourself—" his burnt-orange eyes glance at the weapon that is hidden inside the hunter's trench coat. "—there are vampires out there that have no knowledge of you being the new student. If they see me with you, they won't bother you." Kain promised.
"I don't need your protection." Kaito deadpanned. "Now go away." He hisses, whirled around, and walk away.
However, that didn't stop Kain who follows him. Kaito's fingers curled into tight fists as he attempts to hold back from punching the noble vampire. "You vampires have no respect for other's wishes."
"Wishes? Do you honestly wish me to go away, hunter-san?" Kain asked, curious.
Kaito grumbled. "Yes." He snapped.
The lazy vampire hummed. "Good thing I don't care about that." He cheerfully said.
"Of course. Typical vampires." Kaito growled angrily as he decided to ignore the noble vampire while continuing his way toward the Chairman's building.
The wild vampire couldn't help but find himself truly interested in this hunter. His instinct didn't warn him any negative about this hunter. Something tells him that this hunter is unusual and special. He doesn't know why but he will find out.
Kain has a feeling that this handsome hunter is going to be a fascinating creature to be around.
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Moon Dormitory
Kaname's Dorm Room
Meanwhile…
The Pureblood Prince stood in front of the window as his auburn gaze watches the edge of the cloud that was a brilliant white patch, like a turning page catching the sun. The rest was dove-grey with a subtle hint of purple, just enough to announce the coming sunset. Those hint of purple should be a little bit shade darker, just enough to be closely amethyst color, just like the cold hunter's eyes.
Kaname shifted his gaze down to the mask in hands that he had it custom made for a certain silver-haired hunter. He was satisfied with the appearance of a gorgeous mask that he knew it will make Zero hauntingly beautiful.
The masquerade mask vintage-style was made with pearl-white from the right that fades to lace-like to the left. The left side of the mask was covered with real amethyst gems of shape as diamonds that trail from the upper corner to underneath the hole and stop at the bridge of the nose. The right side was swirling with a silvery-moon color pattern that resembles lace.
The Pureblood vampire truly believes that this mask will be very fitting for Zero's appearance. His auburn orbs glanced over the coffee table where the open box was that shows of tuxedo that will be given to the indifferent Prefect. He hopes that Zero will accept the gift and wear it tomorrow night at the Masquerade Ball.
He also wondered if the beautiful hunter will also accept the request of him playing the piano during the Masquerade Ball.
Kaname hopes so because he genuinely wants to hear Zero's talent with piano.
Mini Note:
Takamiya, Kaito is a real character from Vampire Knight, from the manga. In case, any of you readers didn't know.
