Chapter 51

"I thought I sensed something horribly unpleasant. Turns out it was you." Kaname spoke keeping his composure.

"I want the truth. Tell me what game you're playing with Yuuki! Are you involved in her past or not? Tell me the truth, or else I'll blowout your sister/girlfriend's brain right here, right now."

"If you're holding her at gun point in front of me, that means you already are aware off what her very existence means to me. ...Yet out of decency I will give you a fair warning. If you dare pull the trigger... the person you're here for, will unfortunately lose her life too." Kaname confidently negotiated.

Both Zero and Aiyora had their eyes go wide. Neither one of them saw the last part coming.

"...So do the right thing and let Aiyora go."

"Not unless you tell me how you're involved with Yuuki's past."

"Don't test me, Kiryu-kun." Kaname taunted. He took a step forward and extended his hand. "Besides, you drank my blood, you should know better. Therefore if you truly want what is best for Yuuki... let Aiyora go."

Zero gave the situation a thought in cool head. Quite frankly he didn't expect Kaname would threat him with Yuuki so blatantly. And no, at any cost he couldn't jeopardize Yuuki's safety. So Zero set the captive vampire free and gave her a hard push that threw her into the older pureblood's arms.

Kaname gathered the shaken up Aiyora in his arms, then cradled her like a baby and carried her to the divan, where he sat her down.

"It's all good, you're safe now." He comforted her every way he could. "Wait here I'll get you a glass of water."

He fetched her a glass of water from the bedroom and patiently waited by her side while she drank. It was after she returned him the empty glass that Kaname finally faced awaiting hunter.

"So... you were saying?"

"Have you no desire to alleviate Yuuki's fears?" Zero charged.

"So... shall I destroy one of Yuuki's fears right now? One less problem."

In the blink of an eye Kaname grabbed Zero by the throat and slammed him against the nearby wall. Zero too pointed his gun directly at Kaname's head, unfazed by the sudden attack.

The two continued to glare at each other.

"Do it! I can probably get a shot off at the same time."

Offended and in rage Kaname further tightens his already tight hold around Zero's throat.

"Look at you..." The pureblood hissed like a viper spitting venom. "You're quite the anomaly. By instinct vampires should fear and respect the purebloods, but you still bear your fangs at me without reserve. Not only that, you dared point a gun at Aiyora. I really do... hate you."

And then suddenly Kaname used his strength which broke through the wall and threw Zero into the bathroom. The bathtub behind the hunter cracked from the impact. At the same time Zero also pulled the trigger that scraped through the side of Kaname's temple. A thin line of blood rolled down the side of his neck and landed on Zero's face.

"You have no intention of killing me." Kaname said cockily.

Zero hated to admit but the bastard was right.

"Because if I kill you needlessly it would only cause Yuuki more grief and pain. I want no part of that. Don't know about you, but her feelings for you are real."

More blood dripped from Kaname's face. The intense smell of which turned Zero eyes red. And Kaname took pleasure in his suffering.

"Your body is honest. Your eyes lusts for the blood it sees."

He leaned in and smelled a familiar scent on Zero. "I can smell Yuuki on you... if it were before, I would have personally gotten rid of her blood off of your disgusting body. But now... I'll let it slide, cause I don't care. However, it is also to do with the fact that I need you both... my precious pawns."

He leaned in closer to Zero neck. "Now come on, give into your body's need and take my blood again."

"You must be joking! Why would I want your poisonous blood again?" Zero asked with disgust.

"I cannot have you dying out of thirst now. Not at this critical time. I've allowed you live this long so that you can serve Yuuki; because I know that you won't betray her."

Zero scoffed and turned his head. "You're assuming things once again."

"Oh but I know. Because it is my belief that you have deep feelings for Yuuki. The kind of feelings she has towards me."

Zero closed his eyes in shame of acceptance. "I... just want her to be happy. I don't want her to sacrifice herself. I want her to be safe."

"Exactly! That is why you should drink my blood." Kaname leaned in even closer. Zero tried to move away but the strong smell of the brunette's rich Kuran blood overpowered the silver haired male's strength. And caused him to bite Kaname's neck without second thought.

"Now don't ever forget why this blood was offered to you in the first place."

Kaname told Zero bitterly as the latter continued to drink up greedily.

Back inside Kaname's office:

Aiyora turned and faced the window after hearing the sound of the vehicle in the far off distance.

Her sharp vampiric vision made it possible for her to recognize the car. It belonged to the Shiki family.

Her senses tickled with excitement as she thought, maybe Senri had returned earlier. But just as the door opened and someone climbed out, Aiyora's excitement was replaced with curiosity. Because for some very odd reason the person climbing out of Shiki family's car was none other than— Kiryu Ichiru...?

Just what the hell is going on?!

Kaname came out of the bathroom, bleeding.

Neither the wound on his temple from the anti vampire gun or the puncture holes at the crook of his neck were healing. If anything, the former wound was delaying the healing process of the latter wound.

Aiyora observed him but made no comment on his state. They shared a long eye contact before Kaname pulled up a chair in front of the broken bathroom wall and sat down. With Zero still remaining on the ground.

"The place where the bullet grazed me, still hurts." From his temple the brunette's hand travelled down to his neck. "This is why I hate anti-vampire weapons. And thanks to it, the disgusting bite mark created by you isn't healing. ...I'm a bit annoyed that you bit me without restraint."

Zero grounded his teeth in anger and grabbed the bathtub behind him to pull himself up to his feet.

"I'm the one who should be annoyed."

"Be patient. You've finally regained your sanity..." Kaname said. "Was the feeling of my blood melting into your body so displeasing?

You look like you've gone through great deal of struggle."

"You should try it sometime... then you'll know how much of a poison your blood is."

Zero finally stood up.

"It's because the decedents of the Kuran line are strong with the original vampire blood... that's why they say it's a medicine that slows down one's transformation into a level-E."

With the end of his explanation came his suggestion.

"All this commotion plus the scent of my blood have caused the dorm to be in uproar. For your own safety I recommend leaving from the window. As it's only a question of time before you're discovered."

For once Zero decided to listen to his nemesis's advice. He walked out of the bathroom and stepped into the pureblood's office, where his gaze found Aiyora.

To be honest he was bit surprised to find her still here. His mind couldn't comprehend. All this time she just sat here and did nothing! Absolutely nothing to stop their fight. And this is the person Kuran Kaname is prioritizing, above Yuuki...?

Now there's no doubt in his mind that the smug bloodsucker has gone mental. And that was the last thought to cross Zero's mind before he opened the window and jumped off.

After Zero's departure Aiyora walked up to Kaname, who was still sitting on that chair by the bathroom.

"Here..." And offered him her wrist.

He took her wrist and only kissed it.

"I don't want to spill your blood for something so insignificant." He let go of her wrist and cupped her face with the same hand. "The fact that you offered... has made me very happy. For which I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Even though nothing showed up on her face but Aiyora was quite surprised. However, she knew it would be unwise to keep him in this vulnerable condition especially when aristocrats have started to gather outside his door.

"In that case, I'll get you some tablet water."

Ruka, Akatsuki, Rima and Seiran gathered in front of Kaname's door. Soon after they were joined by Hanabusa. Unbeknownst to them, the blue eyed blonde just came from confronting the culprit.

Ruka bravely made the move. She went up to the pureblood's door and knocked.

"Kaname-sama...?"

"Kaname-sama will be alright. You understand that, right?" Hanabusa told Ruka.

"But..." She replied with uncertainty, looking back at Aidou.

"Plus Aiyora-sama is also with him, I'm sure he's in safe hands." This time Akatsuki joined.

Unfortunately Ruka found herself unable to shake away the uneasy feeling that was building up at the pit of her stomach. As her options were limited. It's not like she was in any position to simply barge into his room and check.

At the Ichijou Estate:

"Of course Aiyora-chan. I will tell Shiki to give you a call back soon as he awakens. ...Yes, you take care of yourself okay and say hello to Kaname and the others for me."

With that said Takuma disconnected the line and heaved a very regretful sigh.

He must come up with another excuse before Aiyora phones him next. This 'Shiki is tired and went to bed early' has gotten old. It has already been used twice. Next time, it wouldn't be as convincing.

Stressed out, Takuma ran a hand through his hair as he continued to walk through the dark hallway of the Ichijou estate. He was hating the current situation he found himself in. It was beyond cruel. That young girl was blindly putting her faith on him, trusting him. And yet, here he was lying to her directly on her face. She is able to rest peacefully, every time he certifies that Senri is alright. When the reality is— Senri isn't alright!

In fact he had never been this worst.

"Takuma-sama, your grandfather has summoned you." The call of a maid pulled the Ichijou heir out of his chain of thoughts.

"Tell him I'll be there soon."

.

.

.

He entered his grandfather's suite and found his regal grandfather bent on knee before the possessed Senri, who had two woman sitting on his lap with his fangs buried into one's neck.

It was a sight that Takuma was getting sort of used to by now. But still the expression of his face changed to a horrific one, when the woman getting devoured turns to dust and slip through the gap of Senri's fingers.

"I'm full for now... you can go. You'll be summoned later." He told the other surviving female, fondling one of her breast.

The female vampire bowed and left.

"You're dismissed too Ichio. I would like to have a word with your grandson, alone."

Upon hearing the master's command Ichio got up on his feet and instructed his grandson.

"Get on your knee Takuma and make sure you answer all of Kuran-sama's queries truthfully and respectfully."

Wordlessly, Takuma got on one of his knee. But the expression of his face remained scornful. He found it impossible to respect the person in front of him. No matter who he was.

"I assume Ichio has already told you, that you are to take me to Cross Academy."

"...yes."

"I expect you to take good care of me while I'm there."

"..." Takuma said nothing to that.

"I have some important tasks to finish. First I'll devour that nuisances princess that my siblings left behind. Let's call her poor man's Juuri. Then I'll devour my disobedient servant..."

Takuma wondered who exactly this 'disobedient servant' was?

"And ultimately I'll reclaim her..." Shamelessly, he darted his tongue out and licked his lips. "She, who was born by me and for me... my precious little girl!"

A sinister smile made it into his lips.

"...My Aiyora."

Back in the sun dormitory:

"Are you okay Yuuki?" Yori asked her roommate who couldn't bring herself to leave her bed. And told her before leaving for class. "I'm going to ask the campus physician to come by later to check on you."

Once the door closed, Yuuki slowly closed her eyes and allowed her mind to drift back to its motion of thoughts.

I couldn't think... I couldn't answer...

I love you.

Yuuki closed her ears, as his words from the other night reverberated back into her mind.

The innocent times are over. Before, I tried not to think about Kaname-senpai and me. I felt that I shouldn't think about it, because it was impossible. But now...

I've never said it out loud but you do know...

I understand... I'm afraid of what the answer would mean.

Two nights later Yuuki approached Aiyora when she found the latter on the rooftop of the school building, bunking class.

"Shouldn't you be in class?"

"I stepped out to answer a phone call, but didn't feel like going back again." Aiyora replied to Yuuki's question while keeping her eyes glued to her phone. She was hoping that would give the shorter girl the hint and she would leave.

Sadly... it didn't. Instead Yuuki came closer and leaned on the fence beside her.

"Turns out you were right all along..."

Aiyora looked at Yuuki from the corner of her eyes.

"...when I spoke to Kaname-senpai the other night, he told me... he told me that he loved me." Yuuki said fidgeting with the hem of her uniform.

"And you're not happy about it?" Aiyora's asked skeptically.

"Oh no I... it's just that I never expected to hear those words and didn't know how to respond. Also I part of me feels that he was trying to distract me and evade the question that I was planning to ask. ...which is why I was hoping to ask you."

"Ask me what?"

"I decided to confront Kaname-senpai tonight. So... would you please come with me and be with me as a personal support...? Plus your brother adores you, I'm sure if you are there, we will get somewhere."

"I don't want to be dragged into it." Aiyora told her flatly.

"Please... it took me a lot to find the courage. And I really need to unravel my past so that I can grow stronger for Zero's sake. I really need to do this Aiyora-chan."

"Why do you need to dig into your past? Why can't you be happy with the life you have. It's sheltered and protected."

"Like I said I want to become useful to everyone. To Zero, to Kaname-senpai..."

"I hope you realize it's not as easy as you're thinking. How do know that by unraveling your forgotten past you can suddenly become so useful to everyone? Life and reality doesn't work like that. Chances are you might become a bigger burden than you already are. Lose your loved ones. And I'm speaking from personal experience... I looked into my past and today I wish I didn't. Sometimes it's better to live the oblivious life."

"How could you say that?"

"Yuuki-sempai... take this as a word of advice from some who knows Kaname well..."

Although Aiyora really didn't care much about Yuuki. But still she wanted to give her one chance to understand. It was the least she could do as a cousin.

"...He isn't very trustworthy and he's also the type of character that changes his preference often. Most importantly that character is shaped by whom he prefers."

"You're wrong! I know Kaname-senpai. I've known him from the beginning of my life. Yes, some of his actions are questionable and scary. But despite everything, he is a very kind and gentle person." Yuuki exclaimed.

Alright bitch, you just lost your chance.

"From time to time... there would be a lonely smile on his face. Back in my childhood I didn't understand why, but I'd still feel worried for him. But whenever he saw that worry on my face he would act normal again and give me his usual warm smile. You see, he hid his pain so that I didn't have to worry. Now I understand no matter how grim of a situation Kaname senpai was in... he always put me before anything else. He is that kind of her person. I guess it was why, whether he's a vampire or not... never really mattered to me."

Aiyora amused herself to her heat that rushed up to Yuuki's cheeks, after she finished her long lecture.

"Yuuki...?" Suddenly they were joined by Zero, who right away proceeded to charge the pureblood.

"What are you doing here?"

"I was here from the start. She came in to chat." And Aiyora simply pushed the blame on Yuuki.

Zero's glared down at her harder. He was having hard time understanding. Kuran Kaname seems to care for her. But why? From a man's perspective he can understand— without a doubt she's gorgeous. For her age, her appearance is extremely glamorous. Other than that, nothing else is good about her. Even her body isn't anything extraordinary; it's just bony and stick like. On top of that she is selfish and arrogant who doesn't give two shits about anyone but herself.

The other night in Kaname's room. If Yuuki was there instead of this one. Their fight wouldn't have gotten anywhere near it actually did. As Yuuki would have intervened way ahead and stopped it. But this girl didn't even move her ass and have a peek. And no Zero wasn't talking about himself, it was for Kaname. As the latter was the one who got shot and was ultimately bitten.

"I'm well aware that I'm quite beautiful. You don't have to ogle and further prove me right."

Zero snorted and turned to Yuuki.

"Don't you have an area to patrol?"

"I finished long ago. Then came here to talk to Aiyora-chan. I was telling her, how I've made up my mind to confront Kaname-senpai about my past."

"I told you, you shouldn't try to rush things too much."

But Yuuki argued back.

"I must! For ten years now Kaname-senpai has been a consistent part of my life in one form or another. Therefore even if he betrays me... my feelings for him will never change. I love that man so much, that whenever I think about him my mind would whirl with thoughts of him; so much that I could lose myself in those thoughts.

However I was also scared to ask him about it and it took a long time to gather my courage. I know I have taken a moral high ground and lectured you a lot Zero. But... I really love Kaname-senpai. I've loved him for ten years now—"

"What brought all these on? Why are you saying these all of a sudden?"

Aiyora looked away. The deep sadness in Zero's voice some how reached her heart.

Unfortunately, for the person whom it was actually meant, was lost into her own problems and didn't seem to notice that.

Yuuki hugged herself as the night breeze turned chillier and continued on. "I know Kaname-senpai is hiding something. But still... I don't care and I need to go. Come Aiyora-chan, let's go."

Turning around on her heels Yuuki was about to run when Zero caught her wrist and stopped her. Yuuki turned, and waited to hear what he had to say.

Don't go Yuuki, you don't need to know the truth... if you know, you will only get hurt.

But the silver haired hunter couldn't get those words out of his mouth.

"Forget it, you should just go." He ended up dismissing her and she left.

Aiyora, however, decided to stick around for a moment.

"I understand my opinions aren't valued by you. But I'll still overstep my boundaries and say it again... before giving your heart out to someone, at least use your head to figure out if that person is worth it. Because not everybody is worth your affection."

Having her point made Aiyora also left and following Yuuki's path.

When I first opened my eyes. Both the world and my memories were pure white. But your mere existence instantly coloured my world... Kaname-senpai...

The girls walked through the path that led to the swan sculpture fountain, where Kaname was waiting.

Yuuki almost jogged while Aiyora walked behind her gracefully.

"Yuuki...?" Kaname acknowledged her presence and was pleasantly surprised at whom she brought along. "You brought Aiyora with you?"

He didn't, more like couldn't hide his dissatisfaction on the matter. As he did not want to do this with Aiyora watching.

"Hey! Don't mind me. Just pretend I'm not even here and go along with the talk as it was supposed to."

The younger pureblood left Yuuki's side, walked past Kaname and hopped on the cemented wall circulating the fountain.

"What is it that you wanted to talk about?" Kaname asked Yuuki taking a step closer.

"I want you to tell me the truth. And don't evade me this time."

"Evade you? Ah like you did when I confessed my feelings,"

Despite Yuuki watching Kaname turned around to check on Aiyora. Just to see if there were any signs of hurt in her eyes. But found out, she was blowing bubble with her gum. Relieved, he turned back to Yuuki and continued.

"...told you how I felt. Tell me, do you find my feelings repulsive?" Aiyora noticed the change of tense in that one particular word and understood right away it was no mistake. She really hoped Yuuki would catch onto it as well...

But she didn't!

"Of course not!" Instead she caught onto his last statement and exclaimed passionately.

"How could you say that?! It's impossible for me to be repulsed by you. I've always loved you. Whether it was in the past or the present. My feelings for you never changed.

The times you came to see me each year.

The arms I could throw myself into with such ease... Those dark beautiful eyes that looked at me tenderly. Those moments saved me.

After everything you've done for me, I have absolutely no reason to avoid you. Even if you were the same vampire that tried to devour me back then."

At this Kaname turned back and threw Aiyora—the actual culprit of the mentioned incident, a look. Who in turn tried to look anywhere else but him.

"It was because you were there Kaname-senpai that..." the aforementioned male turned and cupped the short brunette's face. Only for her to slap his hand away.

"Yuuki?"

"Why does it have to be me?" She took couple steps back. "I see the situation clearly now. No matter how hard I try, even if I reach beyond my stations, I'm just not suitable for you. Kaname-senpai, you have something to do with my forgotten past, don't you?"

He confirmed his answer with his signature silence.

This time Yuuki ran back to him and grabbed him by the lapels of his jacket.

"So it is true?! Then why don't you tell me what happened? Please tell me, I have to know what really happened. I don't want to stay in the dark like this anymore. Please don't use this bond between us to avoid the issue. I want to know everything and grow strong. Please!"

"Don't be silly..." Kaname placed a hand over her head and spoke tenderly. "Let things remain just as they are. Be happy in the academy as long as you can, okay?

...Because the truth you seek might be covered with blood. Even then would you still want to know?"

"Yes, I would still want to know." She responded like she was under some sort of hypnotic spell.

"To be honest, I feared that you would change after learning the truth and hate me."

"I would never do that, I would never hate you."

Kaname once again turned back and looked at Aiyora. Who simply shot him a 'why are you turning back?' look. He faced Yuuki for the final time and cupped her face, this time leaning in slightly closer.

"Alright then, prove it to me Yuuki... be my lover?"

There was moment of silence. Which Yuuki broke after processing his words.

"NO... LET ME GO! You think I'll back down if you say that to me! LET ME GO, STOP DODGING THE ISSUE!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.

"Yuuki if you prove it to me, then I promise, I'll tell you everything. That's all that I'm asking."

"You're lying."

"I'm not. If you want to know the truth, then you should listen to me." Kaname declared his final price.

Yuuki became quiet. A sign that she accepted defeat. And allowed Kaname to pull her in for an embrace.

"That's like a good girl."

They stayed like that for a long moment before Kaname spoke again.

"You do not have to look at us with such worried eyes."

Yuuki turned and found Zero, looking at her with sad eyes.

"...From now on this is my domain. I will watch over Yuuki and protect her... as my lover."

Again, he looked back to check on Aiyora. Just to make sure for the final time that she was alright with this.

Later that night, in the moon dormitory:

"Aiyora-sama if it hurts too much, you can tell me. And I will personally make sure that disgraceful human is never found." The black haired, brown eyed aristocrat by the name of Konomoto Shirako, assured Aiyora.

"But Konomoto-san, President Kuran will harm you and possible kill you, if you harm his lover. Did that not cross your mind?" Aiyora asked flashing him a flirtatious smile.

"I won't regret drying... if it is for you, Aiyora-sama." The aristocrat replied, looking at the pureblood with eyes filled with adoration.

"Don't worry, return to your room now. If I do develop such evil desire. I will seek you out."

Aiyora said before shutting the door on the noble's face.

The young Kuran leaned back against her door and sighed. If her calculation is correct, this guy was the twenty-seventh person to knock on her door in the past two hours.

A twisted smile curved up the ends of her lips.

The whole night class clan has been upset since the news broke out that their beloved and respected President Kuran has taken Cross Yuuki as his lover.

And from then onwards, they became extra caring towards Aiyora.

One by one almost everyone knocked on her door and inquired if she was going okay, or if she needed anything. And requested her not hesitate if she needed any kind of favours. Some, just like the guy before even asked if they should make Cross Yuuki disappear.

The smile on the pureblood's lips widened.

She was surprised and more so amazed. Not even for once it crossed her mind that she would profit this much when Kaname took Yuuki as his lover.

Even though Kaname pulled this stunt to have the nobles guard Yuuki, but turns out more than Yuuki, Aiyora herself is the one benefiting the most from this situation.

These aristocrats were not only sympathizing with her, but also showering her with genuine love and care. While simultaneously their anger, hatred and bitterness towards Yuuki only deepened.

This gave Aiyora a clear idea of how the situation would be once Yuuki is turned.

And now, Kuran Aiyora was eagerly waiting for Kuran Yuuki to return.

A/N: Thank you all for reading. Hope you guys enjoyed. Lockdown in my city is lifting up, so the fast updates are coming to an end. Hopefully one or two more chapters, then it will most likely go back to my old update schedule. However I'll still try to make at least two updates a month. So let's see...

General information on Aiyora— not sure if I really clarified. She's a pureblood with two family lines, who hasn't reached her full potential yet. And even when she does she would have some drawbacks. For example like Kaname and Yuuki she can't hold anti-vampire weapons. Like her mother's side of the family she's weak against it. Plus— I think Yuuki was trained on combat, Aiyora wasn't. Her skills are still at zero in that aspect. She's someone who would use her powers to manipulate and get things done her way and use her words. She's someone who understands what to say where. She isn't the type to fight. Her upbringing was at the Shiki family who taught her the basics and emphasized on how to enhance her beauty. Kaname taught her how to create familiars and after coming to the academy they taught her how use her powers and abilities.

Anyway if you guys have any questions or confusion feel free to ask. Don't hesitate to point out any mistakes if you notice them.

Also, where Aiyora will go... that will be decided after Rido is dealt with.

...

Reply to guestwithreviews: I know it was very wrong of Kaname to straight up lie to Yuuki. However, in his defence he didn't have much of time to change around his plans, that he has been working on for so long. So my guess would be that he is following the same path and altering things around where needed. Which is why he did what he did in this chapter. But fortunately Aiyora ended up benefiting the most from the situation.