Yes… You are seeing it right! Not really an illusion… Or is it?
Hello guys! How are you doing? I missed you all so much!
Crazy as it may look… the last time I updated this story was on December 10, 2016.
And yes, I have been gone for far too long and most of you thought that I dropped the story. Well… not quite…
I may have been consumed by real life and tumbled a dark rabbit hole that almost ended me. But… I surfaced again and posting again.
I am going to mark the date of posting this chapter as the continuation after approximately 5 years of absence. A lot happened, and I do not know how rusty my writing style would be.
The good news though, I still have the full plot of the story that I already finished before my hiatus along with some of the final chapters. Therefore, I simply reread this giant baby and resumed where I left off with the determination to finish this story that is dear to my heart. Crazy as it may sound!
Please go easy on me in this unedited chapter as I was too excited to review it before posting.
Chapter 59: posted on April 28, 2021.
Enjoy!
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"Ara?…." Murmured Rosa absentmindedly "earlier than expected… Guess the wheel keeps turning after all…"
"This dwelling is even more unfit than the previous one" moaned the tall woman, shielding her sensitive eyes from the stray ray of sun filtering through the blinds.
Rosa rolled her eyes "All you had to do is remain in the shadows… No one asked you to intervene and provoke him"
"Mouu… Enough about that thing… it makes my skin crawl thinking of his kind walking freely outside… Disgusting" Seppie hissed with hatred apparent in her glare.
Rosa chuckled at the sight… looking at the sparkles of the chandelier reflected in her rose jam tea… Although I must be thankful for the provocation!
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ At Cross Campus ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Hanabusa flopped on his bed, exhausted. Barely a week is left until their wedding ceremony. As giddy as the golden-haired vampire is about finally tying all possible knots with his partner, he feels drained by the multiple tasks he had to juggle thanks to the swarming of the injured Kiryuu clan. Especially the young Aya-chan, who is still in comatose for the past two days. He could not help but feel a pang of guilt knowing the culprit was none other than the progenitor of his family. The very same reason he had to dig out all books of his lineage in hope to learn more about the ice-wielder and how to save Aya-chan from his poison. To his surprise, he discovered that all records about Cyrus have been purposely removed. The vampire was simply mentioned as the ancestor of the Aido Clan. The stranger fact being the lack of mention of any mate whatsoever.
The foreign presence of the Kiryuus put all residents of the campus on edge, especially after learning the story of their visitor. Everyone needed to show the facade of the good hosts but still be wary of any hostile act that may arise from the clan members.
"She is slowly deteriorating" Hanabusa sighed after looking at the sheet hanging from the bed of Aya-chan.
"Even after the transfusion of the blood from two powerful purebloods?" Exclaimed Ichiru at the statement of his lover while Zero leaned his back against the nearby wall, despair creeping up on him as he watched the fragile frame of the girl on the bed.
"Just like a pureblood, the bite of a firstborn or First vampire as they claimed to be bears two outcomes" Whispered Zero "Either death, or turning into a vampire" his hand travelled unconsciously to the tattoo of his neck, unpleasant memories of the bite from Shizuka creeping up again.
"It would confirm the truth about their power if she did turn into a stable vampire, despite the cruel fate" All eyes turned to greet Cross Kaien coming into the room with Kuran Kaname on his heels. Zero's eyes lingered on the brunet, memory of the first time he drank from him surging at the back of his head, making his throat dry suddenly. He excused himself saying that he needs to talk to his mentor about something.
Walking as fast as he could, the silver hunter all but bumped into Ruka who was calling out to him as he approached. "Just the person I have been looking for…" She clapped, glad to find the silverette.
Zero groaned in annoyance, expecting the female noble to pull him into something related to the planning of the wedding party.
"No need for the sour face…" Ruka mocked "I just need a small piece of information."
"I am a little short on time, can this wait?" Zero answered impatiently, getting uncomfortable from all the Kiryuus he is sensing around him in the closed classrooms.
Ruka noticed the discomfort and suggested walking with him as they spoke. The conversation was brief and concise. Zero was grateful that she needed to confirm a few points regarding the security measures that will be implemented during the wedding party. The only part that Zero took in charge completely, disregarding any protest. He is adamant to make it up to his brother by ensuring he gets the best day of his life, despite the looming threats.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Inside the Kitchen of Ichiru's apartment ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
He was amused to see the scrolls invading every corner of the house, even the counter next to the kitchen sink as he washed the cup he drank from. He scanned the papers sprawled absentmindedly, only to tilt his head at the sentence half hidden under the other scrolls. "concealing to protect the growing life…" he read it out loud as he dried his hands with the nearby kitchen towel.
He pulled the scroll and reread the sentence with eyes widening as he finished the rest of it. as quickly as a lightning bolt, zero found himself facing the door of one of three classrooms where the refugee resided. Ichiru noticed his twin standing in front of the door with a scowl adorning his face and his hand clutching a scroll. Fearing the worst, Ichiru hurried to join him.
"Nii-san?" Ichiru tried to get his attention "What are you-" He did not get the chance to finish his question before Zero's hand reached to the knob and flung the door wide open, strolling inside with a rather stiff expression. Ichiru followed in his footsteps.
Murmurs and whispers suddenly filled the otherwise quiet room. All of a sudden, everyone formed perfect rows, men, women, and children alike, all kneeled down and declared in a unified voice: "Welcome Zero-sama, Ichiru-sama"
the twins all but shrieked at the action, taking two steps back, ready to bolt out as quickly as they came in.
"What in the world is happening?" Ichiru exclaimed.
An elderly male approached them, making Ichiru reach in his pocket and grab his weapon in case of attack.
"On behalf of my people, we would like to thank you for saving us. We understand your wariness towards us. We shared the same feeling until we witnessed the awakening of your powers and what happened right after. Our clan is in need of untainted souls like yours to lead us. Despite the tragedy, we all agree that it is meant to be for our next generation to grow with better guidance and role models." The man explained in a meek and pacifist manner.
"Um… I think there is a misunderstanding here… We are no leader and certainly no saviors… the one you should thank is the little girl fighting for her life in the nurse office" Ichiru explained while his twin glared daggers at the old man.
the latter shook his head "It is the vision of the seer that confirmed our intuition, strengthening our faith when her words came true."
"What is that about?" Zero interjected.
"Shortly after your spat with the late head, the seer informed her mother about the impending doom of those cursed to be fighters, and how the twins will be the saving grace of anyone left alive. We believe Aya-chan missed the link that she would guide you to us since the seer is unable to predict their own future."
Ichiru and Zero exchanged confused looks and shrugged. A minute of silence passed before Ichiru nudged Zero with his elbow and whispered "Ne… Nii-san! What the heck are we doing here? get your business over with already… I feel bad for the arthritis of the elderly kneeling there."
Zero snapped out of his stupor and called for everyone to stand and resume their day, playing by their terms for now. He then looked at the old man who turned to leave them alone "Um… excuse me!" Zero called out and the man turned again, ready to kneel again if not for Ichiru grabbing him.
"How may I be of service, Zero-sama?"
Zero clicked his tongue when the man was too stubborn about dropping the honorifics after multiple attempts.
"Fine… Suit yourself oji-san!" the silver hunter hiss as he opened the scroll and showed the content to the old man "does anyone here know anything about this?"
the man pulled a pair of reading glasses and peered at the writing, then smiled "Of course, that is a staple among the protection spells we use" the man confirmed, calling one of the ladies standing nearby "She can explain it better since she practiced during her days as an active hunter" the man retreated.
The middle-aged woman made them go through the same ordeal of kneeling and honorifics only to settle with the same condition as the old man, leaving the twins exasperated.
Ichiru peeked at the spell and asked the woman to explain its use.
"It is not advised for pregnant huntress to expose their children to magic during pregnancy so as not to disturb the purity of their elements. That is why we use this spell to cast a protective layer around the fetus to prevent interference of magic." she stated.
both twins displayed an attentive and impressed look before Zero asked again "Is that what the concealing part is about" he was hoping that there was more to it, but grateful for the information, nonetheless.
"Oh That!" the woman chuckled and tapped her forehead as if reprimanding herself for the incomplete explanation "like any pregnancy, it can get pretty tiring by the end of the second semester. Huntress generally are active on missions or scouting until the beginning of the third trimester. Of course, they move in bigger cells with their partner on their side. However, they are always the prime target of attack whether on mission or on a stroll. therefore, this spell was improved over the years to weave another one inside it that will allow some sort of distorting cloak." she paused to make sure that she did not lose the twins, and she realized that she did when facing they dumbfounded looks.
"In short, a pregnant huntress can use this spell to make an illusion that she is not pregnant."
"Yess" Zero throw a fist in the air when his hunch was confirmed. "how does that work?" Ichiru inquired.
the woman demonstrated by calling out another younger lady.
"what do you think of the shape of this lady and her stomach" she asked.
"Pretty lean and flat stomach" Ichiru observed.
the older lady asked the new guest to nullify the cloak.
The young lady smiled as she lifter a palm holding her flat tight stomach "I am currently starting the third trimester and grateful for the both of you for getting us to a safe place" she chirped, rubbing a now full round bulging pregnant belly.
Zero and Ichiru's eyes all but bulged out.
"Holy Shit!" Zero took a step back, looking at the now chubby, and heavily pregnant woman standing in front of him. Her clothing and hairstyle are the same, but the size multiplied at least thrice.
The older lady resumed her explanation "As you can see, as long as you are unaware of her pregnancy, you can neither sense nor see that she is with a child. the moment she shared the news with you, the cloak lifted from your eyes and the truth is revealed. However, the protective spell is still there."
Zero picked up on the last detail "how strong is the protective spell?"
the woman wondered "Not that strong to be honest. It is mainly to filter out the magic practiced by the mother and other hunters around. it does not protect the life of the unborn child should it be targeted directly."
Ichiru breathed out in disappointment, thinking the last part is the reason his brother was excited about the spell as they left the room, escaping yet another grand salute.
"Ich!" Zero pulled his brother outside.
"What is it?" Ichiru inquired, not missing the excitement in the eyes of his twin.
"How long will it take you to teach me how to cast this spell" Zero inquired.
"Huh?"
"Are you dumb? I am asking you if you would be able to learn this spell to cast it on me before the date of your wedding?" Zero explained.
"AAAAAHHHH! Oh my god! Yess" Ichiru squealed like a girl when he finally understood the motive.
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Hours later at the clearing of Cross Campus ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Heavy breathing, huffing and two silverette sprawled on the grass greeted a confused Aido Hanabusa when he went looking for his brother.
"What have you been up to, you two?" blond brow twitched seeing the flushed faces and the exhaustion in their eyes along with the scrolls scattered close to the arm of his lover. He groaned "Not again…"
Zero finally peered at him with half opened eyes, throwing him an uncharacteristically wide grin, positively creeping the noble vampire out.
"Nani?" Aido stuttered, fearing the worst.
Ichiru let out a breathy chuckle as he adjusted himself in a sitting position and leaned his back against the nearby tree… "that was amazing!" Zero sighed, content with closing his eyes and listening to the beating of his heart, now calming from the rush he felt moments ago.
"Now then…" Ichiru finally stood up, hoisting his pregnant brother up and looking at his lover "Shall we try and see if it worked?"
"Can someone explain already? Why did you summon me here and what is it that made you so out of breath? Was there an attack or something?" Aido finally got over his shock, a stern looks on his face.
Ichiru blinked and finally flailed his hand, understanding the worry of his partner "No no! We were practicing a couple of spells!" he quickly explained.
the eyes of the blond vampire widened in shock "Again! and Zero too? do you have an idea how dangerous is it to practice magic that blindly and with you being pregnant no less?" He reprimanded, completely outraged by the reckless behavior.
"Pipe down already…" Zero mumbled, yawning and wiping a stray tear of sleepiness…
"You are exhausted to the point that you are getting sleepy… Pipe down for what?" Aido all but screamed out of frustration. these twins will be the end of me one of these days.
Zero and Ichiru exchanged a glance and sighed. The Silver groom to be took few steps to hold the arm of his enraged lover "Sorry Hana! We did not mean to worry you." the sincere apologetic tone managed to sooth his partner.
Zero observed the tense profile of the blond vampire, feeling a pang of guilt for failing to notice his distress. the rollercoaster of events must be taking a toll on him. What is with his cousin almost dying and his longtime friend found decapitated, not to mention the strain I caused between him and the Pureblood he revered the most. Ichiru acting as if he was going to leave him must have been the cherry on top.
Ichiru shared the same though as he rubbed the tightened muscle on the arm of his agitated lover, cursing at himself inwardly for not taking note of his turmoil.
"Why the summon?" Hanabusa ran fidgety fingers through his hair, not noticing the compassionate look on the faces of the silent twins, "I have a pile of work that I need to get done by the end of the day?"
"Ah!" Ichiru remembered "Actually… We need your help… to test something out… You see…" Ichiru briefed Hanabusa about how they were practicing the concealing spell, omitting the fact that they mastered and cast it a long time before summoning him. They just lost track of time trying out a few hilarious spells in the other scrolls for fun.
The blond vampire was positively intrigued. "and…" he urged his lover to continue. Ichiru resumed his request "You see… Everyone on campus that we trust is aware of Zero's pregnancy, so the spell will not affect them. It is not very wise to test it out in public as we are still not sure if it actually works. We wondered if you had an idea that could help."
Hanabusa took few moments to think before flipping his phone to call his cousin. it did not take that long for Akatsuki to join him. After briefing him on the matter, Hanabusa announced his outrageous idea "Who would volunteer to have their memory erased or locked away to test this out?"
Zero all but shrieked "What the fuck are you saying?" a scowl deepened indicating the end of his previous merry mood.
Hanabusa shrugged "I can't think of a better way to safely test your spell without the risk of your secret leaking."
Akatsuki pondered "Oi… Hanabusa… Something like this is considered illegal in the law of the new order." the lawyer pointed, earning a sigh of relief from Zero.
"Tampering with people's heads is the last thing I need" the silver hunter stated, a firm resolve adorning his face. He loathed the practice so much that he tried his best to remove it from the questioning protocol of the Hunter organization, but it was in vain.
"Unless…" Akatsuki raised his finger up to emphasize his point, earning the attention of the other three and the stiffening of the silver hunter.
"What?" Ichiru urged impatiently.
"It would be within a master/slave dynamic" His answer earned him a confused look from the twins, but a fist tapping a palm in realization from Aido Hanabusa.
the blond vampire flipped his phone immediately. The call barely finished by the time the brunette female pureblood materialized.
Zero caught up on the idea when he saw Yuki conversing with the nobles and quickly intervened "Absolutely not! they have gone through enough already!"
His protest fell on deaf ears when Gin's sister joined shortly after and listened to the explanation of Yuki.
The young lady glanced at Zero, giving him the kindest smile. She answered in the kindest voice "Anything for my nephew..."
She closed her eyes as Yuki focused her trembling hands to do the task. Zero quickly grabbed her hand, stopping her "No…"
Aido groaned. Zero looked for the ex-human to reaffirm. She smiled and repeated "I would be glad to be of help, I don't really mind it. Think of it as reliving the joy of the news twice for me."
Zero swatted Yuki's hand away and requested a more experienced vampire to tamper with her head, leaving his adopted sister pouting and fuming. She begrudgingly called on her mate seeing that she cannot risk Aido or Akatsuki facing punishment if discovered. Only few people are no allowed to erase or tamper with the memories of other creature.
Isaya Shouto got as intrigued as the others by the reason and promptly hopped in action, choosing to seal the memories rather than erase them.
Once done, everyone present held their breath as the confused ex-human.
"Yuki-sama?" she flustered looking at her master, uncomfortable under the scrutiny of the gazes.
"So… What do you say?" Yuki asked as if to urge an answer to a previous question.
The ex-human was all shade of confused "Pardon?"
"We were teasing Zero about how your brother is doing a great job fattening him up, look at that beer belly he is sporting. What do you think?" Yuki giggled to lighten the atmosphere, getting in the persona they agreed on.
Zero growled at her and glared at the ex-human; he lifted his baggy shirt showing his bare pregnant belly, trying his best to squish the trepidation creeping up on him.
"Um… Yuki-sama? what… I don't get it…" she whispered, "It would be rude of me to… comment... "
"No! Please do, we need a neutral party here…" Ichiru encouraged me as if looking forward to winning a bet.
"No offense to anyone" the ex-human straightened.
"None taken" everyone answered promptly.
She smiled "I don't think any of you have abs as defined as those Kiryuu-sama is flaunting at everyone… Even my brother does not have such a lithe body" she blushed at her last remark, feeling ashamed of her brazen remarks.
A pregnant minute of silence preceded a complete outburst of cheers, claps, and fist in the air. Isaya Shouto hurried and unlocked the sealed memory, thanking the ex-human and confirming the result for her to join the celebration.
Zero spent the rest of the day basking in glee, happy with the outcome as he rubbed his protruding bump. "You have much safer now, and mommy here does not need to worry about looking ridiculous to the public."
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ At Gin's house ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
"It is too bad" Zero's shoulder dropped, depressed at the news he received via the ongoing video call with Allen.
"I truly wished we could make it in time to attend. Send my Regards and apology to Ichiru please…" came the weak answer from the exhausted man showing on the computer screen, eyes red from shedding tear as he explained the situation.
"I don't want to lose them, zero…" a choked sob broke the heart of the silver hunter to the tiniest pieces.
"Take care of yourself Allen, they need you strong and present for them. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help other than handling your part of work. That goes without saying." Zero reassured his friend.
Allen sighed heavily; a sad smile traced his lips "I wish you get the chance to meet again… Tiera has been asking about you a lot… She seems to insist on seeing you even during the episodes of delirium she goes through… Can't lie… that makes me jealous sometimes…"
"Can you arrange a call soon…" Zero suggested.
Allen shook his head, "That room… they don't allow any device to be taken inside… only the medical equipment… You may not even recognize her when you see her…"
Zero gritted his teeth at the thought of his friend suffering in exile from an unidentified illness. He felt frustrated at the thought that he could not do anything about it. With a mental note to talk with Hanabusa, he murmured "What about the kid?" already dreading the details coming his way.
"Comatose… for two weeks now… she… looks… so good…" Allen finally broke down crying unable to formulate any coherent word. Zero fists clenched until his knuckles turned white. Why does it have to happen to them? What is it about this unfair universe?
Zero waited patiently for his friend to collect himself, not finding any words that could bring him any comfort. He looked into the dull eyes of the red-haired man, "Allen…" he spoke softly "While there is nothing in my power to help at the moment, but I promise you one thing… I will be by your side the moment you allow me to." The firm statement softened the anguished look on the face of the foreigner, thankful to Zero for respecting his wish for Zero not to drop everything and join him in his tragedy as they needed to keep the ship sailing.
"Thanks… See you next time…" Allen whispered as he waived before cutting the call short.
The silver hunter did not lose time in booking a flight to the U.S. Like hell I am going to leave you alone!
He gritted his teeth when he remembered the long list of commitment to the hunter organization looking at his calendar. Five weeks huh…
He went back to the booking page and reserved his ticket, hating that he had to wait that long. His hand caressed his bump while his heart ached at the thought of the little princess, he cherished lying in a hospital bed. more so, the request of his longtime friend in time of her crisis was nothing short of alarming. The woman who never reached out for help, and rather lifted everyone around by her sheer will asking for him… This is bad…
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ the day before he wedding - Australia ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
"Can't help it, huh…" Zero shrugged… Almost indifferent at the news that Gin is delaying yet another flight.
"Sorry…" the grey eyed man apologized, pained by the cold attitude… I guess that I overdid it… he glowered the hazel eyes staring him down as he put the laptop down, ending the call. "What is it?"
"Nothing…" the slender form of the original Moriya Gin moved to leave the room… " I don't see why you have to stay any longer…"
Grey eyes followed him until the guest held the doorknob… "I don't like it."
Moriya Gin shrugged "Can't help it…" replicating the tone of Zero, he is tired from all the tantrum that the young master is throwing around.
"He is too young to handle such a burden, in his state" The ethic teacher hissed…
Gin stiffened, feeling an impending headache as the topic surfaced again "Such is his destiny… Do you think that I am happy about it." hand tightening around the brass knob?
"I know… I am sorry… I didn't mean to aggravate you…" the ethic teacher trailer, packing his duffel bag "the old coots are one thing, but she is…" sighed the bigger man.
"Can't help it…" Gin sighed again, trying to close the topic.
"Will you be okay… Going back… if ordered?" Grey eyes observed the tense form with scrutiny…
"As uncomfortable as it may be… I can't help but think…" he paused for a second "I think I would have begged to take part even if nobody asked me to" he smiled as the larger man pulled him into his signature bear hug.
"Maaa…. Forgive this old man for causing even more sadness please! I guess I was not thinking straight… Having you pay for my mistakes-" the blue haired man was interrupted by a painful pinch.
"Quit the drama already… Not like you made me do anything against my will…" the real Moriya Gin growled
"I see that you have gotten more civilized" the ethic teacher commented in a grateful tone, nursing the area of the pinch.
"Mostly because of what you call it 'not thinking straight'" he huffed, crossing his arm to convey his irritation.
Grey eyes softened "He still remembers you…"
Hazel-colored eyes hid under long lashes as he looked down "I guess… Can't help it…"
∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ Cross Academy ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞
Satisfied with the briefing with Sayori Wakaba about the mobilization of the unit to secure the perimeter the day of the wedding.
Yagari and Cross complained about the extreme measures of involving such a special unit for a social gathering, but did not oppose it, nonetheless. It would lessen the tense atmosphere around the current turn of events and give everyone room to breathe even if for few hours.
As the pulled inside the Academy, zero was surprised to see the black limousine with the Ichijou emblem. His breath caught in his throat as the ash blond head he knew too well emerged from the car with Kaito holding the door for him. He walked in their direction with heavy steps, feeling the guilt creep up again. He flinched at the sight of the loose fabric of the sleeve covering the still regenerating severed limb.
"Ichijou-san…" Zero called out softly with a nod when Takuma acknowledge his presence as the limousine departed.
"Kiryuu-kun…" Takuma greeted him with a full toothed smile that sent a wave of relief through Zero's body.
"Welcome back… Isn't it too early for you to be out and about…" Zero commented after noticing the crutch that Kaito handed to the noble vampire?
"And miss such a joyful celebration? That would be cruel…" The noble vampire moaned childishly.
"Ever the party lover…" Kaito huffed, not the least pleased with having his lover out in public despite hating the suffocating weird atmosphere at the Ichijou mansion. "Ah there they are…" Kaito followed as he gazed at the car entering the gate.
Zero followed his gaze and noticed the familiar face of a senior hunter with Sachi following in his footsteps, both clad in their hunter gear. At the same time, Yuki, Kaname and Cross Kaien reached the group to greet Takuma.
Kaito headed to welcome his disciple while the vampires chatted, and Cross praised his adoptive son on the achievement of the spell that solved half of his problems with keeping his pregnancy private.
It was in the split of the moment that zero heard the words for his body to react.
"Kuran Kaname… die!" the hiss was almost snake like, barely heard by anyone in the chattering crowd.
the whole campus was rendered silent in a single, but loud gush of wind. Eyes widened, buildings trembled from the light earthquake and eyes glowed red.
There stood Zero surrounded with the full-blown vines of Bloody rose, covering Kaname in full as he gritted his teeth. The vines coiled around the spearhead of the vampire weapon, keeping it facing upwards after changing its directory when it went straight for the heart of the male pureblood.
Seiren already had her hand ready to slice the jugular of the kid pointing the lethal weapon. Yuki started to retract the aura she blasted at the killing intent that came their direction suddenly. Aido who was falling behind to join the crowd already had his ice freezing the boy, leaving only the head free. Kaname simply stood and did not react, except for wrapping Takuma with his familiar to protect him from any harm.
"Oi… Brat… What the fuck do you think you are doing?" Kaito screamed as his frozen feet started to move. He had hard time believing the speed at which his disciple moved when he let his guard down to speak with the older hunter.
"He must die…" Sachi hissed, a red hue conveyed he wrath he had in store towards the pureblood.
The soft eyes of cross Kaien eyed the child with pity and sorrow. His parents perished in the war that Kaname caused after all… Can't blame him… However,….
"Hey… Stinky kid… are you planning to retract the weapon anytime soon…" Zero spat…
"Why! I should do what you failed to do long time ago" Sachi spat back, earning a twitched brow and vein popping from the silver hunter.
"Maa! Maa! everyone… Calm down please…" Takuma chirped after Kaname retracted the crows enveloping his form. "This is not the place and certainly not the time to settle old scores." The comment earned him a glare from Sachi and Zero who still intertwined their awakened weapon.
"Aido, Seiren… Fall back" Kaname ordered his follower who reluctantly let go of their hold on the child, making him clench the weapon to attack again.
The action irritated Zero. In turn, the vines coiled and slithered almost reaching the hands of the child.
A hand placed on Zero's shoulder startled him, "Sleep…" Kaname's order made the eyes of the hunters as they witnessed both weapons retracting back to their slumbering form.
Sachi was all but confused at the sight. Zero simply recalled that Kaname was the parent of Yorutsubasa when it was forged in the furnace where his heart resided.
"Sa-chan" Cross Kaien started approaching the startled young hunter to calm him down.
"Why does he get to live…" the child gritted his teeth.
Yuki and Cross were about to speak when the movement of the pureblood confused them. Kaname walked past Zero, Yuki and Cross, ignoring the protest of the hunter who thought that he may harm the child.
To the surprise of everyone present, Kaname got down on one knee in front of the kid, caressed the weapon that he dropped on the floor and looked up again at the unflinching hunter who glared daggers, teeth gritting visibly, and fist clenched, itching to strangle the life out of him if they could.
"I apologize…" the heartfelt words sent everyone in stupor, especially Sachi. He looked down to be met by a pained expression of the pureblood that lasted only a few moments.
"How does that help…" Sachi started letting his guard down, tears of a kid missing his parents dearly started to form.
Kaname held the weapon and threw it at a little distance before ordering "Rise…"
Suddenly the weapon started morphing back to the awakened state that everyone knows. To their surprise, the morphing did not stop when it continued to take a different shape. The wing widened and the spear curved. Suddenly, Yuki shrieked at the sight of a beast coming to life. A Dragon like beast without wings, eyes glowing red with the mouth of a bloodhound ready to attack.
Sachi took steps back from the shock, tumbled and fell on his button, shaking.
"You do have a lot of potential my child…" Kaname whispered in a fatherly tone "but, you still have a long way ahead of you…" he paused and ordered the weapon to slumber again, picked it up and came back to hand it to the kid.
He crouched to be at eye level with Sachi and whispered "The time will come when you awaken this weapon to the full form you witnessed. You will not kill me using it. However, you will have what it takes to come back and actually have a good chance at taking me down. Meanwhile, get stronger… I will be waiting..." Kaname flashed a rare gentle smile before teleporting… Leaving a gush of wind behind him and stunned crowd.
"What the heck happened just now?" Ichiru finally let out a breath he did not know that he was holding.
everyone shuffled to clear the area after the tense atmosphere, leaving Kaito, Takuma and Zero as the last standing after the Hazel eyed hunter dismissed the kid along with his supervisor.
"That was uncomfortable" Takuma sighed.
Zero had a grave expression as he stared into the reciprocating expression of Kaito "That weapon might end up killing him for real…" He hissed at the foreseeable tragedy should they fail to take the proper measures.
"I am aware of that" Kaito grumbled as he ushered his lover to start heading to his room.
Zero stood there for a moment, contemplating the events. A deep scowl adorned his face. Why did he not react?
His thought drifted to the pureblood who simply stood there with chest wide open, as if welcoming the dagger that was about to pierce his heart. You must have noticed before any of us… yet… What are you doing Kaname-!
Zero suddenly realized what happened. He is weak….
The reason behind the slow reflex of Kaname could only explained by the fact that he just came from filling the blood bags for Zero since the hunter received the call minutes before reaching the academy. Judging by the way he showed up with Yuki tells the hunter that he did not have the time to replenish his energy. hence, the pureblood prioritized protecting his injured friend over protecting himself with whatever energy he could muster at the moment.
His assumptions were confirmed when he remembered the haggard posture when he walked up to the kid. No one would be able to witness the unsteady footing of the pureblood had they know observed him as closely and as intimately as Zero did.
Idiot!
In his penthouse, Kaname gulped the second packet of blood pills mixed with his favorite wine while sitting on his loveseat. A smile adorned his lips as he sipped on the beverage. As Exhausted as he may be, recalling how the silverette was the first to jump and shield him from the attack is warming his soul after making his blood run cold thinking that the hunter might get wounded because of him.
The pureblood was amazed at the speed and power the silverette displayed despite his pregnancy. He reacted faster than Seiren and Aido.
He self-reprimanded for being too relaxed on campus, making a mental reminder that such an attack could happen anytime whether intentional or out of vengeance.
Whether I am targeted or anyone else… it is a blunder not to be repeated… ever!
he covered his eyes with his forearm, still smiling at the memory of a certain silverette protecting him almost instinctively.
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unfortunately, as an adult working full time now, it is difficult for me to update the stories as frequently as I used to when I was a student. Bear with me and I will do my best to update bi-weekly or weekly if possible.
To all those who reviewed in my absence, followed, favorited and reached out to me in private messages and through my social media… I cannot begin to express the appreciation I have for you and how thankful I am for you. You played a big part in me picking up where I left off.
Kisses and Hugs to everyone!
Reviews pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase!