Who Am I ?

by BlueSapphire24

It has been sometime since the war ended thanks to the sacrifice of Kaname. Will this the end of Zero's agony? No! With his worst nightmare coming back to life and deep secrets he tried so hard to keep hidden starting to get revealed, Zero finds himself in a very messed up situation. How could things go so wrong after one dinner? hermaphrodite MPREG implied-rape

60. Chapter 60

Hiiiii! Lovely readers!

Well… I was lucky enough that the outline of this chapter was done and I just needed to write it. Did not expect it to turn into a giant like the others but I guess the gears are warmed up enough.

I need to extend a special thank you to my faithful readers. The review section seems a little lonely but I will be waiting for your amazing thoughts on the new chapters as I keep writing knowing that some of you will need to reread the story to remember the exciting details of the plot.

I was asked for a summary, but I opted out of it. I felt like it would make the story lose its charm to be honest. Although, I did cringe few times rereading the earlier chapters seeing that it was my very first time writing fanfiction at all.

As usual : I do not own vampire knight, just the sexy oc I added to spice it up. Hhhhh

Chapter 60: May 2, 2021

Enjoy!

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞ At Cross house ∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

Silver eyebrow twitched so fast that it distracted the others from the intense glare the silver hunter was giving his own reflection in the mirror.

"I thought you said you will hold the gun to his head, Master" Zero gritted at Yagari, who averted his eyes

"Nani?" Cross pondered "You don't like it?" he pouted.

"WHAT IS THERE TO LIKE ABOUT THESE LACED SLEEVE AND THIS WEIRD SHAPED PANTS" Zero all but shrieked pointing at the outfit that Cross altered "It was just fine when I bought it, yet you had to go and…" He clenched a fist ready to beat the wheat haired former hunter.

"Calm down Zero" Yagari shushed "It is not like you have to worry about your pregnancy being exposed, so any outfit from your wardrobe will do at this point."

"The wedding is tomorrow" Zero murmured, looking down with his bangs covering the wrath in his eyes.

"And…" Yagari urged him to continue.

"I do not have any formal clothes that fit me, or any other garments I could wear without getting uncomfortable. I have been borrowing some of Kaito and Gin's clothes since I did not have time to buy some. I will just look ridiculous to those who are aware of my pregnancy" zero growled the last words, thinking the inner circle of vampires.

"Maybe I can be of assistance" the three men startled at the comment of the pureblood who made his presence known through a black mist of his teleportation.

"Kaname-kun" Cross knitted his eyebrows as Kaname handed a sealed envelope to Toga and nodded at Cross.

"It seems that we have acquired quite a few intel from the multiple hideouts of the Kiryuu clan around the world, it should give us some leads if their leader were in cahoots with the mastermind behind the disturbance." the pureblood briefed about the content of the documents.

"Now, Kiryuu-kun…" Kaname called out to the hunter who was engrossed peering at the documents that his mentor pulled out of the envelope. "Would you allow me to assist with the wardrobe issue?"

"Why would I do something like that? I have no interest being in your debt, Kuran!" Zero hissed

"Zero~" Kaien moaned in exasperation, as much as he liked altering the outfit to the renaissance style. He realized his blunder from the reaction of his son. When It is so becoming on him as well… What a shame…

Kaname tilted his head "You would not be indebted to me…" the confusion in the pureblood tone did not escape Zero as he watched the brunet pulled out his phone and dial a call on speaker.

"Moshi! Moshi! Onii-sama?" Yuki's voice was easily recognized over the phone.

"Yuki… Did you forget to inform Kiryuu-kun about the appointment?" Kaname asked, already knowing the answer…

"Shoot! I completely forgot; I will call him now. Thank you for reminding me" Yuki's voice was stammering out of embarrassment "things are hectic with the preparation and Ruka is keeping everyone on edge."

Everyone in the room can imagine the crying face of Yuki after she spent the last few days mediating all the fights Ruka has been causing by stressing everyone out with impossible tasks.

"No need, I am here with him and the phone is on speaker…" Kaname stated flatly.

"Oh Great! Zero…" Yuki called out and continued without waiting for an answer "I saw the outfit father prepared for you and in attempt to stop the bloodshed before you try it on, I asked Onii-sama to point you to a store that apparently cater to pregnant male vampires. I came to know about it through the socializing galas recently. Onii-sama happens to know about the place since the owner is an old friend of our parents. Please do not cause him any trouble please, I beg you." Yuki all but groveled holding the phone, already exhausted….

Zero paused, weighing his options. "Fine!" he grumbled as he headed to the other room, eager to get out of the hideous outfit.

"give me 10 minutes to get out of this nightmare and burn it to ashes…" he addressed Kaname, who nodded in agreement.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞ At the underground of a high-class clothing store ∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

"Impressive" Zero expressed his awe at the spacious store displaying all kind of exquisite garment with the finest fabric to ever exist.

"To think such a place exists…" He whistled touching the silk fabric of a finely stitched jacket.

"You like it?" Kaname observed the curious amethyst eyes as they wandered around the store.

"I guess I should not be surprised knowing how sneaky vampires can be to camouflage their existence" Zero shrugged…

Kaname assumed that there was a misunderstanding about the question. He sighed and called out the assistant while explaining to Zero "Yuki made the appointment for the store to be empty, so that no stranger sees you here, their security system and any sort of surveillance has been put on hold as not to allow any information about your visit her to leak. They already prepared some of the finest outfits that are deemed fit for the brother of the groom. Of course, the selection was made your image as the former president of the Association in mind."

Zero was surprised, but grateful to his sister, nonetheless. The hunter smiled inwardly at all the prank his little sister pulled about this wedding while imagining her snooping around and searching for ways to help him. Typical of Yuuki

Seeing the warm look on the silverette, Kaname was assured that it was a good idea to play the unfair game of manipulating Yuki into thinking that she came up with the idea, when he moved all pawns to make it happen. He was grateful for her complains about the hideous outfit. From what I witnessed, hideous is an understatement the pureblood cringed at the memory of the hunter wearing what he considered a costume.

Following the assistant with Kaname in his footsteps, Zero entered the fitting room only to be surprised by a long hanger filled with various outfits to choose from. He was surprised at the snug fit they had over his pregnant belly. He also noticed that it felt a little too snug for his comfort.

His head peeked out of the curtain of the fitting room to find Kaname sitting on the nearby armchair sipping on a glass of wine looking like the regal king he was with knees folded over the other and the free hand draped over it. His expression peaceful, reminding Zero of how he always looked relaxed the next morning on the couch of his living room when he sat reading the papers and sipping on coffee.

Zero caught himself staring when wine orbs met his. Why did I agree to come here with this guy… Might have been better if I had the fussy Yuuki to escort, sheesh!

The silverette cursed inwardly at his hormones wrecking his judgement lately, making him act softer towards the ever-caring pureblood.

Well, it is not like it would hurt! Becoming sort of… friends with this guy…

Zero felt a painful pang at the last bit of his inner statement. His eyes escaped the scrutinizing eyes of the pureblood and stated "Umm… Where is the assistant?"

Kaname looked around "She should be here soon, bringing you non-alcoholic refreshments. Is something wrong?" he stood to approach the silverette placing the tin case of blood pills he was holding on the marble table along with the wine glass.

Zero frowned at the slightly open pill case, noticing that it is almost empty, before answering the pureblood "I think I need a slightly bigger size for a more comfortable fit. The clothes, design and fitting style is surprisingly good though…" he added as an expression of gratitude towards whoever is making these clothing.

Kaname tilted his head in confusion, "this rarely happens", he stated before yanking the curtain open and getting inside the spacious fitting room with the startled silverette.

"Whaaa! What are you doing?" Zero flinched as fingertips grazed the nape of his neck, sending a jolt of surprise through his body.

He was about to whack the arm away but stopped in time when he felt Kaname tugging on the jacket instead of touching him.

"Interesting… Sorry Zero… Could you remove the blazer for a second, I need to check something, and it seems uncomfortable for you if I do it this way." Kaname stated flatly, noticing the stiffening of the hunter at his touch.

"Okay…" Zero shuffled awkwardly out of the blazer and handed it over to Kaname, willing away the fiery blush threatening to heat up his face at the way Kaname called his name. What is wrong with me?

He looked at the pureblood who inspected the tag inside the blazer, taking in the sign of fatigue that still lingered on his face. The restricting seal does drain some of his energy to sustain its magic, but this is a pureblood we are talking about… Is it normal for drawing that blood to cause this much fatigue?

As if remembering the earlier events of the day, he cleared his throat "I wanted to say thank you for handling the outburst of Sachi so well. I say it on behalf of Kaito who certainly shares the same opinion but will never admit it, even over his dead body." the hunter earned a chuckle from the pureblood.

"Don't mention it…" Kaname trailed, fixing an adoring gaze on the silverette, sizing his figure, clad in the charcoal grey vest of the tuxedo that he left open over the shirt that seemed to have a snug fit over his now defined roundish pregnant belly.

The smile faltered a bit. Despite not harboring hostility towards the innocent soul, and maybe having some sort of affection towards it, Kaname still saw the unborn child as a cruel reminder that the man he loves belongs to another, marked by him for who knows how many years to come.

"I should be thanking you" Kaname composed himself, not wanting Zero to notice the melancholy in his aura "for stepping in to shield me from the attack."

Zero stiffened at the statement, not wishing to remember how his body moved on its own. He barked in discomfort, shuffling with the buttons of the shirt to open it, feeling warm suddenly "I would not have bothered if you weren't too slow to move… What is with you standing there all dazed!" He reprimanded, wincing at his words when the face of the pureblood grew softer, smiling.

"Still… Thank you…" Kaname whispered "Zero…" as he closed the gap between them extending his palm to touch the cheek of the furiously blushing hunter "I truly appreciate it…"

Zero looked away quickly, not bothering to distance himself from the brunet as his scent assaulted all his senses, flooding him with nostalgia for some reason. "Why did you not block it" he mumbled.

"Hmm…" Kaname hummed as he took a deep breath taking in the smell of the silver hair now close to his face, retracting his hand as to ease the discomfort of the silverette and placing it against the wall on top of squared shoulder instead… "I might have been a little out of shape due to the hectic chores I have been shuffling and missed to replenish on nutrients I guess, blood pills I mean…" the pureblood trailed, unconsciously thinking of clarifying that he is not taking any mate or drinking from anyone for no apparent reason.

I knew it… You are pumping too much blood for me…

The eyes of the hunter softened, and he looked back at the wine orbs peering at him, "take better care of yourself if you are going to insist on following me with those familiar of yours everywhere even after I put this damn spell to get you all off my back." he huffed at the amused older vampire.

"Understood!" Kaname confirmed, his face inches away from Zero.

Noticing the hunter tense at the proximity but not pushing him away, Kaname gave in to the trance that got over him from the intoxicating smell of the silverette.

While wary of the hand resting against the wall near his head, silver lashes fluttered down as he seemed to focus on the lips inching closer to his. His breath felt as if it suddenly grew hotter, nearly stopping when the warmth of supple lips covered his for the briefest moment.

"...The only favor I am asking of you, would be that you shatter whatever hopes he is holding about you two getting back together…"

"why are you not resisting?" Kaname sighed purposely trailing the tip of his nose on zero's cheek, "why are you not pushing me away?"

Licking his now drying lips, zero tried to look away, but the other arm on the other side of his head was restricting his movement.

A deep sigh escaped his lips, amethyst eyes took on a bleak look, as if given up long ago on resisting or snapping like his usual self. He was tired of this cat and mouse game, tired of it all...

"...Contemplating..." the word almost escaped the ear of the concerned pureblood. "hmm?" Kaname hummed softly, unsure whether to pull away or remain as he was, he could pick on the murky aura of the hunter and did not like it one bit...

"Contemplating a sudden realization after all this time..." Zero finally looked up, staring at confused wine orb with eyes empty and void of any sparkle... Brown eyebrow knitted slightly, A gut feeling told Kaname that he was going to regret listening.

"the fact that you are indeed the best thing I will never have..."

A moment of stillness followed the cold flat and unwavering statement. Both vampires did not move a single muscle, tension slicing through the air like a knife.

"Is there anything I can help with, Kiryuu-sama!" The high-pitched voice of the female shop assistant jolted everyone out of their daze.

Zero immediately pushed Kaname aside who teleported and materialized on the back side of the fitting room to make it seem as if he was checking other clothing nearby. Zero opened the curtain, the solemn look still hunter his face while he relayed his request to the assistant.

Kaname later noticed that he let the blazer he was holding fall on the floor after zero left the fitting room open and followed the assistant to check other options.

He picked the fabric, taking a whiff of the lingering scent of the hunter before hanging it back in place. He sat back on the armchair, took a sip of wine, and placed the glass back on the table. Throwing his head back on the headrest of the chair, he looked at the chandelier in the ceiling and let out a long sigh. "I guess I deserve that."

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞ In the lounging area of the New Moon Residence ∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

Zero jolted out of the limousine to escape the heavy atmosphere of the silent ride back to the academy. Although, he was grateful for the trip, for he found the suitable outfit he needed along with a whole pregnancy wardrobe for that matter.

He quickly entered the residence heading to Ichiru's apartment to drop the bags when the occupant of the lounging area called out to him. He sighed, uncharacteristically relieved to find some company.

A small Keiichi came running his way and Zero did not waste time dropping the bags in favor of picking up him up. They exchanged the tightest hug that made Kei-chan giggle uncontrollably, happy to see his favorite person.

A while later, Takuma started heading out, needing to retire to his apartment for some much-needed rest. The ash blond vampire was at the door of the lounge and turning around to say goodbye, when a shrill voice made his eye widen in shock.

"Taku~~~~~~ Chan" a wave of long platinum blond hair flew inside the room, and everyone tensed at the presence of a pureblood that they did not recognize.

*Click* *Shoot*

The bullet managed to cut through a few strands of hair and successfully pinned the vampire frozen in his spot. The guest blinked a few times, completely stunned when he found the head of a spear close to his jugular, the barrel of bloody rose pressed against his temple and the palm of Seiran at the back of his neck with blood whips holding his arms and cold ice freezing his legs.

"Everyone Calm down please!" Takuma flailed frantically, doing his best to take the couple of steps in his crutches pulling the spear of his lover away and using his Kaito's body for support to pull whoever he can reach with his healthy hand "Stop it please… He is not a threat…"

Zero barely backed away when Takuma was talking. That is, until a panicked Kaien Cross came in, shocked at the scene and proceeded to pull Zero away.

"What are you doing to my guest, Ge'ez!" the old hunter apologized profusely to the platinum haired man who was not paying attention to him as his golden eyes locked with those of the Zero for what felt like forever.

"This would be the last place where I would expect to find you, Liam…" the rich voice of Kaname snapped everyone out of their daze.

"Maa~" the guest replied with a sing song voice as he approached the brunette in a coy fashion, placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned his head against the chest of the brunet talking in a dramatic manner "I found it hard to reject the request of a dear avid fan like Cross Kaien and accepted the invitation to sing in the wedding of his son… How mean to be greeted like this ~ Kuran-sama ~ like I am some criminal~ soo mean~" he was all but wailing, burying his face in Kaname's chest, not aware of all the jaws dropping in the room at the action coupled with the indifferent face of Kaname, disgusted face of Zero and a more frantic Takuma who finally reached the guest.

"Maa… Maa. Liam-san, please do not disturb Kaname-sama any more than that. You are making everyone uncomfortable!" Takuma nudged the man, patting his head in a childish manner and voicing an apology to Kaname at what seemed to be the usual antics of the guest.

Zero stiffened for a moment when he connected the dots at the name of the guest and his appearance when leaning against Kaname. A certain photograph popping in his head, taken during their make-believe date in Paradiso.

This guy….

A charge electric current rose again when the hostile aura of zero made the guest release his hold on Kaname only to turn around and reciprocate the same hostility towards Zero.

"Geez Zero!" Cross bellowed "Please excuse my son, Liam-san… He is no good with new vampires, especially purebloods like yourself."

The hostility of the golden eyed vampire disappeared almost instantly at the statement and a bubbly cheerful self-surfaced, exceeding that of the chairman. Zero noticed the uncanny similarity of the physic and the way the man carried himself. It almost made him uncomfortable how much he would look alike if they were to dress the same and wear similar hair and lenses, had Zero not been pregnant. He glanced at Kaname as if wanting to choke the pureblood. The guest threw his weight on Takuma and pulled him into a suffocating hug "Oh I was so worried about you child! What a horrible thing to happen to you! Here…" the man pulled the collar of his gaudy pink shirt to expose a slender neck "Have your fill of my blood and heal fast please~ I can't bear seeing you like this."

Takuma all but shrieked at the antics of the vampire, shocked at the suggestion.

"Just kidding!" the guest chirped.

Takuma let out a sigh of relief, "But you can always ask for a blood transfusion if you want." the serious tone caught everyone off guard along with the serious look in golden eyes.

Takuma gave a sweet smile to the man he considered as a parental figure despite the very few times he gets to meet him. "Thank you… I will keep that in mind."

The older man patted his head lovingly and resumed the introduction with Cross Kaien and Kuran Kaname as his escorts. Zero monitored them silently until they decided to retire, with the frivolous man inviting himself to the penthouse of Kaname as a guest for the duration of the celebration.

"You are welcome…" Kaname nodded as he guided the guest to the elevator.

Kaien got the chills down his spine as soon as the guest was out of sight, only to find the source being a scowling silver hunter.

"What is the big deal Cross! As if we are not under enough threat, you go and bring your idol, a pureblood no less with no clearance to enter the ground of the academy?" Zero crossed his arms, miffed at the old hunter throwing off his extensive effort to have all guests perfectly cleared before allowing any foreign soul into the intimate ceremony.

Although it is turning out to be a full-blown Gala seeing the ridiculous length of the guest list.

"Maah… Kiryuu-kun… you don't have to worry about anything!" Cross cleaned his glasses and put them back on, adopting a serious note.

Before he finished his sentence, Yagari, who came in time when the ruckus subsided, continued knowing that his disciple will believe his word over his frivolous lover "He came answering the summon of the Association to clear your name from that tabloid article as soon as he got back to the country. This guy…" Pointing at Cross "...Could not help fangirling over him and extending the invite…" Yagari sighed.

"Still-" Zero tried to interject only to be interrupted again.

"Liam is a pureblood with the cleanest record to ever exist and a dear friend of the late Haruka Kuran." Yagari stated, taking Zero aback with the insinuation of the age. "He is also pro-pacifism. Although, he is not an active member of the cause, he always had an adoration for humans and, as a matter of fact, never ever bit a human despite being centuries years old. He sustained himself from animal blood and the life energy of plants until he endorsed the use of blood pills when they were first manufactured." Yagari explained "I personally vouch for the safety of the ceremony in his presence."

The statement earned the guest a boost of amazement and respect from the group listening to Yagari. Zero huffed, collecting his bags to go to Ichiru's apartment "Whatever… You better keep him on leash though" he glared at Cross.

"Haiii~" The old ex-hunter chirped in agreement.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞ In Kaname's penthouse ∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

"So that would be our mystery beauty." Liam twirled the wine glass, staring at the sparkle in the liquid, not missing the slight pause in the movement of Kaname.

"Rest assured… Your secret is safe…" Liam sighed.

"I owe you one" Kaname sat on the arm rest, raising a glass towards the pureblood lazing comfortably on the opposite sofa. "I would also appreciate you not aggravating him."

"An order or a favor?" the blond pureblood mused with a sly smile

"a humble favor from an old friend" Kaname smiled.

"Not fun…" the guest pouted, trying to be cute before a solemn look haunted his face, a look Kaname knew all too well, "Kiryuu… He is one of the twins, the vampire one, isn't he?"

The brunette paused a bit before nodding.

"I see…" Liam breathed the word out with a distant look in his eyes.

"Liam…" Kaname's voice was full of concern.

"It's okay…" Liam smiled "I would have appreciated the heads up though. I was surprised to see the spitting image of Hana's husband standing in front of me in vampire form with hunter aura."

Kaname looked down at his glass of wine "I guess I have been too much of a recluse to keep up with what is happening in this wretched society of ours" the last speech dripped with disdain and hate that Kaname knew all too well for reason for.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞ The day of the wedding ∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

The fairytale-like atmosphere made it seem as if the sun has never set on the campus ground. Everything sparkled, from candles, crystals, ornaments etc.… The celebration was nothing short of luxurious.

"What happened to the small family gathering?" Zero growled as he stood at the altar after escorting Yuki, waiting for Ichiru and Hanabusa to walk down the aisle together.

The effort they had to put in reaching the conclusion of them walking together was nothing short of migraine inducing. Especially when Hanabusa wanted a traditional wedding and Ichiru refusing to play the role of the bride to the T.

"If you put together the father of Aido, that party planning freak Ruka and the shortie sister of yours in one group to plan a wedding, you should not be asking such stupid question." Kaito grunted standing next to Zero.

"I can hear you" both Yuki and Ruka mouthed to the men, sending chill down their spine when their cute smiles did not reach their eyes.

"Why the sour mood all of a sudden anyway?" Kaito asked, feeling the irritation of the silver hunter.

"Nothing." Zero all but growled, about to blow his top glaring dagger at a brunet sitting in the front rows of the attendees.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞ Flashback ∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

Zero finished getting ready in Gin's house to avoid any weird situation in the bustling apartment of Ichiru. He was relieved to find a moment of peace in the quiet house before he had to deal with all the intense socializing happening in the wedding.

"Because of two social butterflies like Ichiru and Hanabusa, this event is turning into a masquerade" Zero sighed, happy that his brother is getting one step closer to the life he has been dreaming of having with his lover.

Flutter and strong kick warned the hunter that mealtime is getting close as he can feel his child draining his life force and enjoying the aerobic moves in his belly. A faint smile followed by a dull ache racked the body of the hunter as he caressed his pregnant belly.

"We will be fine, baby! Won't we?" he mused.

He opened the drawer to take bloody rose and paused glancing at the small box next to it, then at his reflection in the mirror, clad in an elegant grey, silver tuxedo with fine strands of lilac adorning the stitches tracing a barely distinguished pattern of elegant flowers on the collar and sleeves.

An hour later, Zero had to endure an uncomfortable ride in the elevator with a certain brown-haired pureblood in weird silence.

It is better this way. Being friends is too much of a wishful thought for us.

Kaname looked at the profile of the hunter, reveling in the ethereal beauty of the silverette enhancing the classiness of the outfit that they chose together. Zero's words resonated in his head for the millionth time that day.

"Zero…" Kaname whispered, seeing that they are almost reaching "I will be waiting…"

"Huh?" the hunter startled when Kaname called his name.

"Decades, centuries, millennials… I will be waiting… such is my resolve…" the door opened behind the back of the brunet as he turned to leave the elevator while whispering the last words "You are the reason I am feeling alive after such a long long time after all…"

"What?" Zero's mouth flapped like a fish as he tumbled in the corridor, almost his chance to ge off the elevator when the doors started closing on him. Looking left and right, he could not find the pureblood in the crowd of people going in and out of the apartment.

He beelined quickly to the fridge of Ichiru's apartment and picked a blood bag to drink peacefully in his room before bracing himself for the hassle of the last-minute preparation.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞ End Flashback ∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

Eyebrow twitched at the sight of the regal pureblood sitting elegantly and seemingly enjoying the conversation with Liam who was leaning against the furniture whispering in Kaname's ear while the latter gave a faint smile.

What are you acting all chummy about! Don't you have a fucking status to uphold!

Zero swallowed his furry, tasting the remnant of the blood of the brunet he drank from the bag he wished to pulverize if not for the happy kicks his son gives him because of it.

The wedding music started, announcing that the grooms are on their way out. Right on Cue, Liam joined the musical band playing the steady tempo. The ravishingly stunning couple made their way down the aisle following a small man in the cutest tuxedo to ever exist for his age and build. Keichii had the widest smile walking confidently, holding out a pillow carrying the wedding rings.

The contagious happiness of the child spread across everyone attending the event along with the happiness so apparent in the eyes of the grooms to be.

Toga pulled yet another tissue from the box he was holding, handing it to his lover and patting his head afterwards. He strangely felt his heart swell with pride at how far his older lover has come in accomplishing what he deemed impossible.

Here, on the school ground, hunters of all classes, purebloods, noble vampires and humans came together to celebrate a union that would have been one of the biggest taboos in all societies not that long ago.

It is a celebration of love and a significant milestone, an event that should be engraved in the record of history.

All irritation faded away when the ball of energy leaned his back against Zero's leg looking at him proudly for what he accomplished. Zero ruffled Keichii's hair and lifted him up in his arms while keeping the pillow that the child was holding steady.

It was partly to make sure the child does not wander during the officiating and partly because the silverette can't seem to get enough of the moments he gets to spend with him. He placed a kiss on top of his head, wishing that Gin were present to take their pictures secretly, so that he can add them to his precious book of memories.

"Welcome family and friends. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of Aido Hanabusa and Kiryuu Ichiru. This is not the beginning of a new relationship but an acknowledgment of the next chapter in their lives together. Hanabusa and Ichiru have been together through merry times and hardship as well, going on strong and united for years passed and years to come, and we now join to bear witness to what their relationship has become."

Electric Blue eyes stared into lavender irises, exuding overflowing emotions that could not be contained as the couple smiled and extended to hold hands while listening to their officiator.

"Today, they will affirm this bond formally and publicly. This affirmation means more because it is shared with their most beloved friends and family members."

A slight chuckle escaped their blissful faces when they heard the loud sniffle of Cross Kaien behind them. Yuki's tear managed to fall right after, while Zero nodded with a smile as soon as his brother looked his way, communicating how happy he was for his little brother.

"Today will mark their transition as a couple not only by celebrating the love between themselves, but by also celebrating the love between all of us."

Soft music started playing in the background.

"Thank you all for being here this evening. Without that love, today would be far less joyous. Today you not only marry the right person, you also commit to being the right partner, the one with whom the other can stand and face the world."

Hanabusa squeezed the hand of his partner, cementing the promise, smiling as Ichiru reciprocated the action.

"Now, Aido Hanabusa, Do you take Kiryuu Ichiru to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?"

Hanabusa swallowed a lump in his throat, willing away the dryness in his throat.

As much as he enjoyed the closed doors ceremony, they held within the vampire society, the couple felt something missing since they could not feel the magic of the moment at that time of war and political debates.

It dawned on Hanabusa when he realized that this is the moment that he has been waiting for ever since the silverette reciprocated his feeling after awkward months of courting. This is what he wanted.

Rather than shouting my love out loud from the mountain top, I would rather have the world witness out eternal union and celebrate it.

"Yes! I do!" Hanabusa replied with all the certainty the universe could bestow on him.

"Kiryuu Ichiru, do you take Aido Hanabusa to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?"

"For eternity and beyond… Hell yess I do" Ichiru blurted the words in a croaked voice, feeling the same bliss as his lover.

A wave of laughter and applause raised at the statement of the silverette, making the couple blush furiously. The crowd quieted down as Zero put down Keichii to join the couple for the ring exchange. Unaware of the wine orbs following every move, Zero could not help but abandon the beautiful sight of the happy couple and admire the little child joining them. The cutest ring bearer this universe will ever witness.

"A ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and it represents your union. It is also a symbol of completeness, just as you two complete each other. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. It encircles an opening, which is the door to your future. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other."

Ichiru's breath hitched as Aido took the ring while thanking Kei-chan with a happy smile. The vampire navigated the ring slowly to the tip of the slender finger looking at his partner and back at the ring, gazing at the Aido emblem engraved on it.

"Hanabusa-kun, please place the ring on Ichiru-kun 's finger and repeat after me"

Hana nodded and started repeating as he slowly slid the ring where it belongs.

"Ichiru"

Both hands trembled

"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love."

Eyes locked intensely, joy reverberating through the entire place.

"I pledge to love you, respect you, protect you and cherish you."

Lavender eyes glistened, tears of joy threatening to fall when the same mirrored in his lover's eyes.

"today, tomorrow, always, and forever"

Ichiru repeated the same, vows, this time losing the fight against the stray tear at the word of "forever."

"Aido Hanabusa and Aido Ichiru, before these witnesses you have pledged to be joined in marriage. A pledge sealed by your wedding rings. You may now seal your vows with a kiss."

The loudest cheers erupted in congratulation and clapping as roses and petals fell down the couple while Hanabusa pulled his husband into the most passionate kiss they ever exchanged, basking in each other's embrace before separating reluctantly to look into each other's eyes.

"Congratulations! Ichiru Aido!" A tap on Ichiru's shoulder and the whispered words that came through the voice of his brother followed by the ruffle of his hair was the final straw to snap. His knees finally gave out and made him crumble to the floor with his lover joining him in a mix of laughter and tears.

Ichiru looked up and took the extended hand of his twin, unable to stop smiling. The brothers hugged as Zero congratulated him again "You did it…" Zero whispered softly, yet so proudly.

He felt lonely but happy knowing that Ichiru is finally released from what he considered the curse of being born a Kiryuu in all societies.

After the emotionally charged congratulations finished, the venue shifted to the after-party area within the same clearing in the forest. With a melodious voice, Liam announced the first dance of the newly celebrated grooms. Using his powers, he grew a flower bed in what is supposed to be the circular dancing platform for the couple to enjoy the magical beginning of their new chapter in life.

* Author note : the song is: "like I'm gonna lose you" by Meghan Trainor*

I found myself dreaming

In silver and gold

The golden-haired vampire placed a hand on the waist of the silverette in standing together in the middle of the most beautiful flower bed, rocking slowly as Hanabusa rested his cheek against Ichiru's,

Like a scene from a movie

That every broken heart knows

We were walking on moonlight

And you pulled me close

A memory of the night at the very same meadow, under a similar full moon. Young and eager electric blue eyes looked at the scared lavender ones while Hanabusa held the squared shoulders firmly, declaring that he had no intention of entertaining any arranged marriage from his family and that he wanted to be with the silver haired human for however long they are allowed to live together.

Split second and you disappeared

And then I was all alone

Ichiru chuckled when he remembered how frantically he turned him down when Hanabusa stupidly said that he would be ending his life if Ichiru were to die first for he would not survive a second without him. He positively jolted out of the embrace and hid in his dorm room.

I woke up in tears

With you by my side

A breath of relief

Never will the human twin forget that morning, after Hanabusa promised him forever. Looking at the profile of the vampire standing by the window of his dorm room, not minding the harsh morning sun, waiting for him to wake up. That moment he realized it...

And I realized

No, we're not promised tomorrow

So I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you

I'm gonna hold you like I'm saying goodbye

Wherever we're standing

I won't take you for granted

'Cause we'll never know when, when we'll run out of time

Aido let a tear stray at the painful memory of almost losing the love of his life before getting the chance of letting him know how he felt about him. He grabbed waist tighter, bringing Ichiru closer in his embrace. Ichiru reciprocated by holding tighter on his shoulder and hand, willing away the lump in his throat remembering the recent events where they both started death in the eyes after the hunters injected Hanabusa with the lethal poison to end his life.

…

The truth is you never know

So I'll kiss you longer, baby (hey)

Any chance that I get

I'll make the most of the minutes

And love with no regrets

The couple rocked together to the music, exchanging the sweetest kisses, bittersweet memories flooding them with inexplicable warmth.

Let's take our time to say what we want (say what we want)

Use what we got before it's all gone (all gone

'Cause no (no), we're not promised tomorrow

….

So I'm gonna love (I'm gonna love you) you like I'm gonna lose you (like I'm gonna lose you)

I'm gonna love you (love you) like I'm gonna lose you

"I love you... Aido Hanabusa" Ichiru whispered as he bumped his forehead against his lover,

"I love you, too… Aido Ichiru'' the vampire cupped the face of the silver beauty and gave him the deepest most passionate kiss, pouring all of his overflowing emotions into it, making it the closing act of their first dance as he quickly grabbed the waist of his lover, grinning at the adorable flush on Ichiru's face knowing that that the kiss successfully made his knees shake.

Zero cursed the hormone as he took the tissue offered by his mentor at their table watching the grooms dance happily.

Memories of all the ordeals he made them go through to drive the vampire away from his brother flashing in his eyes, eternally grateful that none of his antics worked.

A smile adorned the silverette looking at Keichii who is happily sitting on his lap suckling the energy from his thumb as he watched the couple intently.

Eternal Gratitude will never be enough!

Zero's memory wandered to the grim day he attacked Ichiru out of hunger during his pregnancy in U.S, thankful that Hanabusa froze him and pulled his brother away just in time. It was horrific for the hunter to see the vampire carrying the limp body of his brother to the bed and checking his pulse. The fact that he came close to killing his brother again haunted him.

Looking at Keichii, Zero mouthed an apology as he stroked his head with the other free hand, rubbing the place where he extracted the bullet from. His eyes drifted to the golden vampire leading his brother in the dancefloor.

Zero chuckled all by himself, his heart full of bliss and ache again at the observation of how Hanabusa overcame all his fear of blood, hate for hunters and for Zero in particular. If not for the vampire acting in split second after hearing the gunshot from the kitchen, and his bravery to open up the hunter with little to no preparation, neither Keichii nor zero would have lived to share the happiness of this day, if this day were to ever happen in that case.

Zero clutched the shirt over his chest remembering joyful moments they shared away from all prying eyes and stiff norms of their societies. How they enjoyed getting smashed drunk playing silly games, suffering from the inedible cooking of the scientist vampire, nursing the frustration of the hunter after his brother gives him the silent treatment for trying to break them up only for Aido to be the one to patch things between the brothers again. But most of all, Zero felt his chest tighten more when he first heard the heartfelt laughter of Ichiru for the first time shortly after Zero begrudgingly approved of their relationship. The silver hunter still remembers the chokingly intense feeling he allowed to wash over his body witnessing the happiness in the eyes of his brother, happiness that was foreign to him even when they were kids and living peacefully with their parents.

Thank you Hanabusa!

The hunter made a mental note to thank the vampire after whacking his stupid head for knocking the air out of his brother with that kiss on the dancefloor. Are you turning this into a make out session?

"You should not overdo it with two children siphoning your energy…" Zero jolted back to the present when the all too familiar voice reached his ear along with the screeching of the chair being pulled by his side. Kaname sighed as he took the drowsy kid from the lap of the hunter, "It is not like you have an infinite amount of energy." the pureblood stated flatly and gave his thumb to Keichii.

Zero glared at him before chasing away any urge to fight on this joyful occasion. Instead, he merely looked at Kaname's face, looking for any more sign of exhaustion. He let out a breath of relief when he found none.

"Thanks… I guess "Zero mumbled, about handling Keichii who was still holding two fingers of Zero in his tiny hand, refusing to let go. That forced the vampires to sit in an unusually close position.

As much as Cross Kaien and Yagari enjoyed the antics of the child and how he can bend the stoic pair of adults to his will, they exchanged knowing glances with Takuma who was sitting beside Kaname. It pained the noble vampire to do this to his friend when he seemed to have regained a bit of stability lately.

Takuma leaned and whispered to both Zero and Kaname "Hey… guys… Please don't take it the wrong way but I don't think the current seating situation is wise on any level in this kind of gathering."

The Noble vampire whispered, flustering Zero thinking that he is hinting to the past. Cross tapped Zero's shoulder discreetly and guided him to focus on the murmur around him.

What is that about?

Ne… isn't that the former president of the hunter association?

Kaname-sama is sure acting chummy around that person… Weren't they enemies before…

Haven't you heard…

Zero stiffened, feeling his blood run cold as realization dawned on him. Kaname noticed the reaction. He sighed and pulled the hand of Keiichi away from Zero and shifted the chair a bit away from Zero, earning a complaint from the child but used his power to make him sleepy.

"My apologies Kiryuu-kun…" Kaname whispered.

"Don't worry about it Kaname-kun…" Cross interjected when he saw the glare that zero threw his way. "He understands your intention and having his wellbeing in mind when doing so…"

Yagari sighed and shuffled the hair of his disciple, feeling the shame creeping up Zero when he looked down and squared his shoulder. "It is Ichiru's day, don't ruin it for him acting all gloomy. People will always gossip, just do not pay them any attention. Such is the fate of leaders."

The trust and faith his mentor had in him made Zero's heart ache with guilt. He took a shaky breath and collected himself. He lifted his face to see Ichiru giving him a wistful smile from the opposite platform where he was sitting with the Aido family, signaling for him to come sit next to him.

Zero happily obliged and stood to walk around the dance floor to join his brother who finally settled down after a couple more dances with his husband. Despite basking in the happiest day of his life, Ichiru found himself transfixed with the sight of his brother sitting next to the pureblood and catering to the capricious child that is Keichii.

If that was not the perfect family portrait, I wonder what is?" Ichiru wondered inwardly, internally praying for all forces in the universe to grant his brother as much happiness as he is feeling that day if not more.

Halfway through his walk Zero felt someone grabbing his shoulders and pulling him in a bear hug.

"Miss me yet?" the familiar voice sent a soothing feeling of relief through the hunter's body as he turned and threw himself into broad arms that he came to rely on lately, still shaken from the earlier weird situation. Zero buried his face into the toned chest and exhaled heavily "You can't begin to imagine."

Gin blinked a little too many times with his hands still mid-air. He expected that the silver hunter would certainly clobber him at the public display of affection that he hates so much. With softened gaze, he held Zero by the small of his back and ruffled his hair as he pulled his face away enough to place a gentle kiss on his forehead, "As adorable and cruel as usual, princess" Gin Grinned, not liking the solemn look on the face of the hunter.

Gin finally cleared his throat when he noticed that Zero had no plan to move anytime soon. "Were you going somewhere?"

Zero finally let go at that question remembering that he was on his way to join his twin. Glancing at Ichiru, he saw him sipping on a glass of champagne, glaring dagger at Gin.

Not wanting to upset the Groom, Zero grabbed the hand of his boyfriend and started walking towards him. Little did he know that his twin was cursing the arrival of the blue haired teacher.

As Zero stood by Gin's side while they congratulated the newlyweds, the amethyst eyes wandered yet again in direction of the pureblood, looking at his interaction with the child he denied himself the right to call son.

"Thank you for the great dancing everyone" Liam cheered through the microphone at the lively crowd, sending yet another wave of flowers raining on the dancefloor. "Now then, I will sing a song that may relate to the anguish our little Hana here" pointing to a miffed vampire annoyed at being called little " and what he suffered when he courted the absolutely gorgeous groom of his, Ichiru-chan" the singer met the lavender eyes with a kind look that embarrassed Ichiru and puzzled him at the same time. The younger twin could not shake the sense of familiarity he felt from the moment he laid eyes on the pureblood.

"Oh! And I would like to thank a friend of mine who played the song not long ago and reminded me of how beautiful it is. Too bad he can't perform with me today… it would have been an amazing performance." The man moaned before giving the signal to the band and another subtle look to the grooms table, staring briefly at an unsuspecting hunter.

"I will ask our own diva to join who graces us with her siren like voice once every Decade" Ruka joined the singing stage, excited to join the man who brought out her singing talent in the first place. The elegant noble vampire held the microphone and offered the song to all those who are pinning for an unsuspecting lucky person.

Amethyst eyes shifted at the first note of the piano, widening briefly when realizing that they are playing the piece that Kaname teased about not revealing the name when he played it for him a couple of times.

* Author note : the song is "You Are The Reason" by Calum Scott and I like the duet with Leona Lewis*

The velvety voice of Liam echoed along with the soft piano, the other instrument follow smoothly on cue

There goes my heart beating

'Cause you are the reason

I'm losing my sleep

Please come back now

Ruka inhaled a let out an intoxicatingly melodious voice

There goes my mind racing

And you are the reason

That I'm still breathing

I'm hopeless now

The tempo picked up and Liam pitch grew higher in time with the quickening heartbeat of the hunter as he scanned the room for his eyes to land on the pureblood who was starting to stand from his chair.

I'd climb every mountain

And swim every ocean

Just to be with you

And fix what I've broken

Oh, 'cause I need you to see

That you are the reason

With a soft gentle tone, Ruka followed the piano notes.

"Wow Ruka sounds like an angel" Gin exclaimed standing behind Zero, holding him to his chest as he rocked them to the rhythm.

"Umm" the hunter nodded absentmindedly.

There goes my hands shaking

And you are the reason

My heart keeps bleeding

I need you now

Zero watched as Kaname gave the child to his mother. The pureblood turned and their eyes met in time with the tempo quickening again and the pitch of the singer growing higher, reflecting the storm brewing in Zero's soul at the memories resurfacing with this song.

And if I could turn back the clock

I'd make sure the light defeated the dark

I'd spend every hour, of every day

Keeping you safe

Gin ran a finger through the hair of the hunter. Compliments about his gorgeous outfit seemed to fall on deaf ears, just like his reaction to the familiar earring that Zero was wearing. Grey eyes narrowed on the piece of jewelry knowing it was Kaname's gift on Zero's birthday.

And I'd climb every mountain

And swim every ocean

Just to be with you

And fix what I've broken

Oh, 'cause I need you to see

Zero absentmindedly reached out to the earring while the pureblood broke their eye contact by attending to the guests that came up to greet him.

As if to amplify the pain Zero felt as the brunet looked away, the duo exploded with the intense climax of the song

That you are the reason (I don't wanna fight no more)

I don't wanna hide no more

I don't wanna cry no more

Come back I need you to hold me (You are the reason)

Be a little closer now

Just a little closer now

Come a little closer

I need you to hold me tonight

Gin winced at how tightly Zero held on to his hand after when he held it away after Zero absentmindedly place it on his pregnant belly.

I'd climb every mountain

And swim every ocean

Just to be with you

And fix what I've broken

'Cause I need you to see

That you are the reason

"I will be waiting… such is my resolve…Zero"

A loud clap and cheers erupted, successfully snapping the hunter out of his daze, noticing that Kaname glanced up from holding Ai while Yuki clapped hard, a wistful look adorned his face with a smile that Zero saw too many time to count but never understood the meaning behind it until now.

Kaname looked away as not to risk anyone gawking at him to follow his gaze and lock on the target of his affection. That brief moment sent zero's mind into a frenzy, as the sweet loving moments Kaname showered him with came back in a whirlwind.

"Picture time everyone!" Liam announced in a booming voice, making the audience shuffle and follow the instruction of the photographing team.

Once over his stupor, Zero started to get annoyed because his brother kept calling him for every damn picture, he was about to take regardless of the group of people involved. He was not about to deny Ichiru any request on his special day, but he was close to calling it quit. Luckily, they announced the last group photograph to reincarnate the beginning with the inner circle in their student days. To Zero's misfortune, he found himself standing next to Kaname behind Yuki, shoulders bumping against one another.

The hunter stiffened at the memory of how Kaname held his hands in secret during the inauguration ball of Ai and what gruesome fate that led to. Despite expecting the same antic from the pureblood, Zero found himself not placing his hand out of the vampire's reach. Better yet, he allowed the back of their hands to brush, only to find Kaname retracting his hand and moving away as soon as the photoshoot finished.

While the photoshoot was still going on, Zero retreated towards Gin, finding him standing with Keichii in his arms, drowsy again. Zero gave him a quizzical look.

"It seemed that he played a lot with the kids throughout the day and had a blast with them earlier and now is getting sleepy. Rima-san left him in my care briefly until she finishes taking the pictures." Gin glanced in the direction of the orange haired vampire who was on top of the photographer and guest fixing the postures and angles to ensure everyone is happy with the pictures. "This kid is growing so fast. It feels like he is twice as heavy since the last time I saw him."

"Is that so?" Zero mumbled as he stroked the soft cheek of the child with the back of his hand. "Let us go back to the table and sit then."

Gin felt every hair of his body stand all of a sudden. He adjusted Keichii to be cocooned in his embrace, sensing something ominous coming his way, he whispered while holding the head of the drowsy kid, Naoto.

In a split second, the dark haired prefect was by his side, shielding both adults as he thwarted the blade headed to the blue haired man. No one had a chance to understand what happened when the sky started raining blades shortly after, all going in direction of the photographing area and angling towards Gin. Zero summoned the true form of bloody rose while Gin crouched down to avoid getting in the way, tensing further against the kid.

To his surprise, blood whips surged from the small body of the young vampire, merging with the growing vines of bloody rose. Zero felt a surge of power, as if the blood whip were feeding the vines.

Faster than the blink of an eye, the vines spread and pierced the ground. The blood whips intertwined covering them into a large barrier. Hundreds of blades came falling and hitting the barrier while the blood whips caught the stray ones. The flower bed of lily grew around the guest at the photoshoot area to halt any other strays going their way as soon as Zero glanced in their direction, doing his best to focus on warding off the attack despite feeling like he is not doing anything. All the blades that hit the erected barriers melted and turned into blood before dripping into a puddle on the floor.

Once the attack stopped, the surrounding white lilies simply turned crimson red and went in full bloom, withering soon after the whips retracted, releasing their hold on the vines of bloody rose when the kid finally fell in peaceful sleep.

Everyone was flabbergasted, it took them a moment to react, loud murmur and rushing of the inner circle snapped zero out of his trance. All eyes of vampires turned red at the sweet smell of Keichii's blood, noting the exotic feel to it.

Liam eyes narrowed down on the kid and then glanced at Kaname in a knowing look, finding wine orbs just as focused as his on the bloodied form of the child.

Rima rushed to her son, trying to wake him up while Aido reacted fast bringing the packet of fake blood anticipating Keiichi to have lost a considerable amount from the intoxicating smell.

Crystal like blue eyes opened slowly to meet the panicked face of the orange haired vampire and the pained amethyst of the hunter. Keiichi gave them his signature smile while extending his arms pushing away from the ironclad grip a shocked gin had trapped him in. "Zero is okay… Thank Goodness…" A relief that is too mature for the age of the kid washed over his face.

Zero fell to his knees hugging the child before handing him to Rima and Aido to take care of him. The hunter helped Gin up as the security squad gathered to report that they failed to find any source to the attack as if it was coming out of thin air.

Another wave of murmur erupted, distracting Zero from the report as he noticed the silhouette materializing in the middle of the dancefloor. A tall woman judging from her shape within the hooded cloak with red lipstick peering from beneath the hood.

She gave a breathy chuckle that reverberated in the head of all attendees, sending chill down their body.

*Click* *Clack*

The elite protection squad surrounded the suspicious woman. Every hunter and vampire adopted a stance of attack, suspecting her to be the culprit of the earlier attack, including Zero with Bloody rose Awakened again as he shielded Rima and gin who protected Keichii with their bodies from any possible sudden attack. Zero was almost certain that the kid was the target of the attack. As I feared!

The tall, hooded woman with red lips stood still. Kaname's eyes narrowed on her form, disturbed at the fact that he is not sensing any presence from her no matter how sharply he focuses. It is like she is a ghost or an illusion.

Zero approached stealthily to face the intruder. As soon as he managed to get a better look, Zero recognized her as the woman he bumped into at the hospital the day of Keiichi's surgery. He reigned a menacing growl… I knew it.

The hunter readied himself to initiate the attack but was taken aback when the woman suddenly chuckled in a high yet melodious tone.

"Yada~ Why the gloomy mood~ Everyone are here to celebrate, Ne." She paused at the last word, a sideway smile alerted Zero prompting him to attack as the vines shot her way.

The Woman vanished again, leaving everyone in a creepy silence. Kaname tried his best to sense for her presence but failed. Zero did the next best thing and went back to shiel Keiichi while Kaname shielded Yuki and Ai with Takuma and Kaito standing at a close distance from the female pureblood. Liam erected a plant barrier to shield the rest of the guests while all hunters readied their weapons for the next attack.

Complete silence…

Ichiru used a spell to sense the presence of anything supernatural around, mainly looking for a unknown vampire, suspecting that she was one. He tried his best to focus despite the distress he felt, Kaname noticed the lavender eyes glowing with the now familiar golden color and followed his gaze as Ichiru scanned the perimeter.

Zero did not follow suit knowing that he was too riled up to risk using any magic. However, he kept a close eye on his brother, ready to attack at his signal.

"Kuran! Watch out!" Ichiru screamed.

A soft chuckle echoed again when Ichiru's eyes landed on Kaname. The woman suddenly appeared in front of the pureblood. Kaname froze as soon as the woman put her hand on his shoulder, then tiptoed to whisper in his ear "Ne~ Won't you kiss me, like you miss me... "

The woman let out another echoing chuckle as she disappeared in thin air, appearing again by Ichiru's side, her last words fading with her vanishing "Enjoy your wedding gift, dearest..."

Zero's gunshot landed on the nearby tree, missing its target.

Right on cue, Kaname crumbled to his knees, both hands clutching his head screaming of intense pain as flashes of memory sliced him like a knife.

"Brazen as ever" the male brunet sighed

"So what, take a page from her book and learn" the baritone voice teased

"Spare me please" Kaname responded, looking away.

Sharp zipping sensation sent the pureblood doubling over in pain, his heart beating frantically as thorns stabbed it deeper and deeper...

"I hate to do this to you... Kana-chan… but that child… no one… bidden... "

"...Nii-sama"

"Onii-sama!" Wine orbs fluttered open to find a worried Yuuki peering over him.

"Thank Goodness" Takuma sighed from the other side of the bed with Kaito giving a reassuring pat on the shoulder of his distressed lover.

"What happened?" Kaname asked, wincing at the way his voice cracked.

"Apart from your aura going berserk, everything was contained, and you fainted, probably from the seal tightening around your heart." Zero stated in a flat tone, his hunter eyes trained on the pureblood laying on the bed. He still held his guard up, not understanding what happened and still fearing the worst.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞ Flashback ∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

The sudden scream of the pureblood was followed with a flare of his aura, as if trying to annihilate everything around him. Shouto tried to counter the menacing aura with his own only to be blasted through the tables and into the nearby trees.

Liam approached the brown-haired pureblood, calling out his name only to see Kaname doubling over in more pain, and his aura grew stronger along with the pressure that affected everyone regardless of their race.

Whining and whimpers of pain started getting louder and Liam tried calling out to Yuki in hope to neutralize the rampage of the male Kuran with their powers combined.

The golden eyes raked through blurry vision only to widen in shock at the crippled form of Yuki as she hunched over Isaya Shouto, out of breath and in great deal of pain.

Liam started to panic as he grew weaker and unable to sustain the protective shield, he casted using his aura any longer. His last hope were the hunters as he painfully twisted to face Zero.

To his horror, he found Cross Kaien writhing on the floor, the veins in his hands enlarged and pulsating as if they were about to blast any moment.

Couple of feet away, Zero's eyes were bright red and heaving as he tried to regain control over his body. His heartbeats felt like a drum in his ears. The two vampires exchanged the same knowing look, feeling how desperate the situation.

A glowing light caught their attention.

"Ichiru…" Hanabusa struggled to get the words out before suddenly gasping as he inhaled a large gulp of air. He looked up to see the eyes of his lover turning gold again and a circle growing from his hand and forming into a dome closing around the couple.

However, Hanabusa noticed that the golden streaks on his lover's face were traces of his capillaries popping one after the other and his hands were shaking more and more as he gritted his teeth in pain.

"Tsk! This is bad" Zero realized the gravity of the situation after Yuki teleported back to Ai's side and he noticed her ex-human aid starting to desiccate from the hands up trying to protect her daughter. Glancing behind him, he was slightly grateful that Gin is not seeing what is happening to his sister as he was bent over to protect Keiichi, as futile as it is for a mere human.

The grey eyed man breathed with difficulty

this is bad… very very bad… What kind of monstrous power is this?

Zero's knees finally gave in to the pressure and the burning of the insignia on his shoulder blade. Doubling over, he started feeling cramps after his baby stopped the frantic kicking, only for all pain and movement to stop suddenly.

All sense of the Hunter and parent went into overdrive, fearing the worst.

Clutching his belly, he focused all his senses trying to communicate with anyone he can reach.

[ "Zero!" Yuki's voice echoed in his head, "Release the seal! Now!" ]

Zero opened his eyes meeting the sienna glare of his younger sister, he looked at her as if she grew another head.

[ "What the fuck are you saying"] Zero repeated in his head hoping that she can still pick up on it.

["This is not the time to debate… release it… Quickly!"] Yuki moaned in pain from the burning of her insignia, looking at the crumbled form of her adoptive father.

["What do you think will happen if I do! He will destroy everything!" Zero protested "the clutch on his heart will eventually slow him down or…" ]

["Or when you are about to die, the seal will reduce his power for us to finish him off… I know that…" Yuki finished the sentence impatiently "... Your child and dad might die before you reach your limit…" Amethyst eyes widened in horror again.]

["Nii-san!"] Zero startled at Ichiru's voice echoing in his head... looking at him, he was amazed that his brother was still standing and Aido being in less pain than the others while surrounded by the Kiryuu spell.

["Nii-san! Release the seal and focus on protecting rather than defending… channel it… I have a plan… Yuki! Listen carefully!."]

Once the plan was communicated, all three nodded amid the vibrating atmosphere, hoping the one-shot chance would work.

Gin sensed the change in the air and peeked at Zero to find all particles of sand around him floating in the air, a different type of aura formed around the silver hunter.

This is! The grey eyes watched the white light form before another wave of Kaname's aura sent him flying backward into the nearby trees, exposing Rima clutching Keiichi to her chest.

Zero cursed when he lost the momentum again, barely managing ground himself as the menacing aura pushed back against him.

"It hurts!" Zero's heart stopped at the sound of Keiichi, crying in pain.

With renewed resolve he resumed the attempt, this time grounding himself with one knee on the floor supporting his weight as he focused his energy and extended his hand as if to grab an invisible object. Anyone with a semblance of consciousness followed the direction of the extended arm, finding it pointing to the pureblood.

Zero Closed his eyes, taking one shaky breath after the other… his breath quickening with each inhale. "You can do it… Zero!" Hanabusa watched intently as he felt that the hunter was onto something especially after noticing that Ichiru is widening the sphere of protection to whoever he may cover within his vicinity.

Kaname!

Kaname!

Kaname!

Amethyst eyes morphed to gold under closed lid!

Kaname!

Kaname!

KANAME!

"RELEASE!" and ominous silence returned for a split second before hell breaks loose.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Kaname all but severed his vocal cord screaming, eyes glowing red and fangs bearing out completely… the sight horrified anyone who caught a glimpse of it…

Gin opened his eyes, wincing in pain from the onslaught of the aura. He froze at the sight talons growing from Kaname's fingers as the pureblood reached to spread his arms with difficulty, then lifting them up to grab his head again and doubling over in pain, shooting a wave of aura akin to the worst natural disasters combined.

Thankfully, Yuki, Ichiru, Isaya Shouto and Liam managed to channel their power thanks to Ichiru's magic that increased the protective barrier to cover most campus residents.

Hanabusa started to worry when Zero remained still through all of it, in the same position, while the earth quacked under them… prepared for a worse wave that threatens the life of everyone around the Pureblood gone mad.

Gin observed as he struggled to catch his breath! Cursing at his useless limbs when he was not able to remove his ring, panic started to creep up on him seeing Nao's hand starting to evaporate in dust.

So… this is how the power of the king feels like, huh?... this worse than I ever could have imagined!

The ethic teacher clicked his tongue in frustration, his eyes never leaving the bestial form that the pureblood was transforming into.

All this darkness! To be contained in one single vessel! How is that even possible!

Kaname!

Kaname!

Kaname!

Zero felt his blood running hot like lava through his veins, ready to combust at any moment. He simply focused on his quickening breath, silencing everything else while repeating the same words as a mantra.

Kaname!

Kaname!

Kaname!

Witnesses gasped when the hunter opened his eyes, glowing gold and closed the grip of his extended arm. A glowing light shot from his fist like a ribbon. They watched as the light wrapped around the bestial form of Kaname while Zero struggled to stand and secure his feet in an attacking stance.

Said arm lifted towards the sky and the form of Kaname Kuran was levitated midair simultaneously. As soon as Zero slammed his hand downward, Kaname came crashing on the ground, loud. The beast writhed as if trying to thwart the light engulfing it.

Those with enough power and abilities fell chills run down their spine watching the auras of the pureblood and the hunter intertwine, a battle of wits that looked like a dancing tornado rising to the sky without limit.

Kaname snarled in direction of Zero and around him, making everyone jolt in fear, except of for the silver hunter.

While Everyone saw a morphed beast form of the pureblood, Zero's vision seems to create the illusion of Kaname writhing in pain in his human form. Pissed at the weak look of the pureblood and the earth-shaking aura he was emanating, the ribbon of light tightened further around the beast. Using his other hand, Zero launched yet another restricting ribbon around the writhing form.

With a loud scream putting the one of the purebloods to shame, Zero lifted the brown-haired vampire up in the sky again and then flung him down more times than anyone could register as the speed of the action increased with the increasing fury of the hunter.

It started looking like Zero was manipulating a whip, throwing Kaname against any surface that is safe to slam him against without hurting anyone.

At some point, Zero had enough of the snarling and feeling his feet slide against the ground being pushed back again, he then increased the slamming until it looked as him Kaname was at the end of the hammer.

Ichiru looked between the two of them, fearing for his brother spending that much power, but starting to see hope when the aura of the pureblood started subsiding and some bystanders were catching their breath, albeit painfully.

Zero lifted his arms high up in the sky one last time, looking at the still snarling beast trapped at the end of the light ribbon, the hunter took a deep breath and snarled back as he slammed him down to the ground with as much power as he could muster at that very moment. The hunter screamed as he retracted his power "Snap out of it Kaname! you fucking bastard!"

*loud sound of crashing and crumbling of stone over sand*

After the fog of dust cleared, those who remained conscious felt the pressure suddenly disappear. They stood up groggily, taking in their surroundings. It later registered in their head that the foreign aura and the force that slammed the pureblood to the ground formed what looked like a crater from a meteor slamming the surface of earth, the force of the impact all but destroyed the forest facing the campus and bent down the electricity poles around it…

Zero was finally standing up straight, dragging his numb limbs toward the center of the crater, coughing from the dust infiltrating his lungs. Yuki reached first to check on Kaname. She looked over her shoulder and locked eyes with the now worried amethyst orbs.

A faint smile sent a wave of relief, making Zero relax and crumble again to the ground, rolling on his back, and looking at the sky. Ichiru kneeled next to him and tapped on his shoulder "He is alive..." smiling at his older brother as if congratulating him.

Zero exhaled "yeah! This one too..." he answered as he felt a strong kick reassuring him that the energetic boy is resilient enough to survive such a stunt.

Ichiru looked at the battered form of his brother. "You are amazing, Zero! Really…"

"Hmm…" Zero failed to hear his brother as sleep took over his exhausted body "Kaname…" he whispered.

Ichiru smiled as he stroked away the bangs of his brother, wiping away the dirt stuck to his cheekbone… "You get it right… Nii-san… when I said 'Release the seal and focus on protecting rather than defending'... So, all you thought about was protecting him… Protecting Kuran Kaname from his own madness… You focused every fiber of your being to save the father of your child rather than defend against the wrath of his power or protect bystanders from it until it subsides… You protected him from himself… Nii-san… You truly are… amazing…"

Ichiru finally gave into the exhaustion as well and laid his head on the chest of his brother, feeling at peace as a memory floated in the twin's head like a sweet dream.

"Mom, Dad!" Ichiru called out "How did you become the strongest hunters to ever exist?"

"Where did you hear such a thing…" His mom asked, confused.

"Today's lesson was about the classification of the hunters, we found your names at the top along with Cross Kaien" Zero explained, not excited for them to answer out of worry that his brother feels inferior again.

"hmm…" Takashi, their father, hummed. He picked up on the worry in Zero's voice.

"Let's see…" Sakura sighed, giving the question some deep thought.

"Protection…" Tadashi interrupted the musing of his wife, looking at her with pure adoration, "the need to protect those who are precious to us…" the man pulled both sons into his embrace, beckoning his wife to join in.

"That is right…" Sakura affirmed as she stroked Ichiru's hair "When you have someone as precious as the two of you are to us, someday, you will find power you never knew existed, a strong will to move the tallest mountains just to protect those dear to your heart."

"Protect…" the young twins repeated absentmindedly as they held hands tightly.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞ end of Flashback ∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

In a small mansion, a town away from Cross city, the room shook, vases dropped and crashed, light bulb bursting nonstop until everything quieted down, leaving the residents of the room in pitch black darkness. Rosa sighed.

One by one, candles started lighting up, illuminating the place once again. Servant scurried around, collecting the shards of broken glass and ceramics.

A whistle erupted from the presence that Rosa considered unpleasant. Cyrus was sprawled inelegantly on the sofa opposite to her seat, playing with a ball of ice encasing an eyeball inside it. "As expected of my king…" The ice-wielder hummed, jolting a second later when a slender woman made her way into the room. He straightened himself and stood to bow in respect for the vampire.

" Quite impressive…" Rosa commented "For it to reach such a distance in his current state… I can only shiver at the thought."

Seppie gave her a sideway glance before casting her eyes down as she relaxed in her seat, dismissing the ice-wielder. Rosa noticed that her mother put up an isolating barrier as soon as the vampire left the room, which made her eyebrow rise inquisitively.

"Oh my…" Rosa sighed… "quite the number you pulled there, Mother! Was that the outcome you were expecting" She inquired despite figuring out the answer from the murky aura of her displeased mother.

" this shall be a good lesson to whoever attempts to domesticate the Vampire King." Seppie had a distant look in her eyes, the usual mischievous glint long gone.

"Mother…" Rosa could not help the ray of hope peeking in her mind. Could it be…

Squishing the hope quickly, Rosa regained her composure once again. She stated in a flat nonchalant tone "Well… you ended up risking your beloved carrier in your reckless behavior"

Seppie frowned… "more and more annoying people getting in my way… Irritating…"

The vampire looked at her daughter, taking in the childish appearance Rosa like to take when lounging at home. Seppie's eyes grew soft, nostalgic and yearning.

She rose from her seat, and the next word sent a wave of trepidation in the very old soul of the shapeshifter.

"I guess our overdue visit is happening sooner than expected… I wonder what kind of cake should we take with us. Any idea?" Seppie tapped a finger on her own lips, giving some serious thoughts to her own question.

Rosa's shoulder slumped in exasperation… She shook her head as an answer and looked out the slightly open window. Who would have thought that my own mother would be the one making my legendary patience grow so thin?

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞ The next day after the day classes finished ∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

A heavy sigh escaped the lips of the ethic teacher as he slumped against his chair. The events of the night before haunted him to no end.

His reminiscing was cut short when Nao slammed a sharp dagger on his desk, pointing at the emblem engraved at the handle of it.

"Care to explain the meaning of this?" Nao hissed at the man who did not even flinch at the action.

Gin looked outside the window absentmindedly and answered, "Seems like I may have ruffled some feather during my last visit there…"

Nao scowled at the older man, feeling his rage rising with every word.

"If your track record could tell us one thing, that is the fact that your ruffling of few feathers never had a favorable ending whatsoever."

"I guess…" Gin confirmed with an indifferent voice, raising and crossing his legs on the desk while examining the dagger he picked in his hands.

"What are you going to do now?" Nao inquired, not liking the indifference in Gin's voice.

"…" Gin remained silent

" Are you waiting for another genocide to happen before you make your move?" Nao growled at this point, his frustration reaching his peak.

Grey eyes softened as he looked at the young vampire "Who are you worried about this time?"

Sensing that the older man was seeing right through him, the vampire stuttered, willing away the frustration at being caught of guard.

"That is not the point here…" Nao barked at Gin "When will you stop being reckless and destroy all the hard work you do because of your stupid impulse. How are you supposed to accomplish your mission if you keep acting like the coward and hypocrite that you are now."

"…" another frustrating silence followed

Exasperated and tired, Nao's shoulders slumped in defeat. He turned to leave, stopping at the door "At this rate, you will probably end up a victim of the next massacre unlike instead of being the cause of it like in the old times."

Gin's face remained expressionless, and his jaw tightened as he looked at the dagger. "Old times huh…" he pulled the metallic access card from his back pocket recalling his earlier encounter with Yagari Toga.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞ Flashback ∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

The pillar of the teachers' lounge cracked at the impact of the body slammed into it.

"Oi, Oi… The people outside are working their ass off to fix the damage to the school before the sun rises. Don't go doing more damage on the inside, adding to their pain…" Toga stated in a flat monotone voice, caring less about the firm grip that the brawny ethic teacher had over his neck.

"I thought I was loud and clear." Gin growled as his face inched closer to Yagari's in a menacing manner "Under no circumstance should Zero be allowed to awaken."

"Heeh…" Toga played the fool "You were serious about that." The mockery earned him another round of beating as Gin lifted him up in the air and slammed him to the ground, followed by his feet pressing against the chest of the hunter.

"I hoped that the tattoo was just an accident after being exposed to their magic." Gin combed his blue hair out of frustration "But yesterday…"

"What you saw saved our asses" Yagari stated, in a serious tone this time, pushing away the nasty leg and standing up, dusting his clothes. "Anyway… If you have yet to notice, nobody can ever tell Zero what to do around here. Even if he has a lot of respect for me as his mentor, he would not back down from what could save his brother's happiness simply because I said not to do it."

"Still…" Gin crossed his arm, starting to calm down.

"The only way to convince him would be a plausible explanation that you refuse to give me." Yagari pointed.

"What a mess…" Gin exhaled as he turned to leave the hunter standing in the empty lounge.

"I am sure you already have a plan to counter whatever mess you are talking about." Toga inquired.

Gin looked over his shoulder, "Yeah…" the dejected look confused the hunter "One that I sure hoped that I would not resort to this early in the game." He answered, waiving the metallic card while exiting the place.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞ End of Flashback ∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

There was still two hours left until classes started. The ethic teacher left the school building to get some fresh air. He was impressed at the combined work of vampires and hunters. They made it seem as nothing ever happened.

Grey eyes narrowed when he saw his sister and niece standing at the gate of the new moon residence, the ex-human gave him a gentle smile while his niece jumped in his arms.

"Nii-sama…" the smile faltered when the older man did not reciprocate. The young lady looked around, right and left before taking her daughter back in her arms. She kneeled down and looked up to the man who saved her life more times than she can count, "Thank you for everything you have done for our family so far… I am sure that father would consider the debt repaid by now…"

Gin smiled softly as he helped her up again, ruffling her hair as if she were still the little child playing in the sand with her late husband under his watchful eyes.

"Stay safe." The man instructed, looking at the tall building in direction of the penthouse. He turned around with the keys of Zero's car in hand.

In a basement hidden in the deepest underground labyrinth, the metallic card scraped against a scanner and fingerprints were recognized by the green light that unlocked the vault like entrance.

The blue-haired man approached what looked like a body preserved in a glass capsule laying in the middle of the room.

With a touch of a button, the capsule opened, making the liquid inside evaporate in thin air. Pressing the next button made the tubes embedded in the body fill with crimson liquid and flow in every direction around it.

"I hate to pull you out of this Eden he made for your sake… However, you are the only one I can trust, for I don't even trust myself thinking of what I am planning to do next…" Gin spoke tenderly, placing his forearm on the edge of the capsule and resting his chin on top of it, admiring how the blood started bringing the ashen skin alive, making the dark hair thicker and shinier. The white cloth covering the body started moving as breathing grew steady. He closed his eyes at the beeping machine, indicating stable heartbeat. He sighed in comfort at the cold touch of a slender hand against his cheek, guiding him to straighten up.

The fragile hand pulled the collar of his shirt aside. Gin's brows knit at the intrusion of the fangs breaking his skin, but soon relaxed, allowing the female vampire to drink her fill of his blood.

It did not take long for her to retract her fangs, wipe her stained lips, and look at the eyes of the same color of hers after he helped her out of the capsule and onto her feet.

"Judging from the nasty aftertaste of your blood, it did not go according to planned." She stated, hoping to be proven wrong.

"Things are going slightly haywire…" Gin announced "I…"

"The child…"

"…"

"I see…" she cast her eyes down and placed a hand on broad shoulders "I am sure that you did your best."

"I am sorry…" Gin apologized while sitting on a nearby chair, starting to feel the exhaustion from the sudden turn of events catching up to him "the Kiryuu twins are awakening."

The woman sat next on the chair next to him. "I see…" she mused "In that case, I can't really get angry at you for disturbing my peace this early."

Gin finally gave the female ex-human a dejected smile, "There is no one else I can trust…"

"Not even her voice?" she inquired.

"It is complicated…" Gin cut it short, making it clear that he did not like that direction of the conversation.

The woman exhaled, "Well, how about you catch me up on what happened during the decades I have been enjoying my rest, Son…"

Gin mused for a second, lips quivering for a moment before he spoke "Well, for starter, I just got her after clobbering Toga-chan for not preventing the awakening –"

*Punch* *Whack* *right hook* *sound of Gin crashing against the wall with a groan and sliding to the floor*

Chuckling, he looked up to see the woman towering over him with eyes glowing red in the dim laboratory, "What did you say you did to my precious nephew? Haah? you stinky brat!"

And thus marked the return of Priscilla Yagari from the land of slumber.

∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞8∞∞

One mystery solved, or maybe half of it…. Gin is the cousin of Yagari Toga. The next update will be in two weeks if not earlier and be ready, because the pace is picking up again to the climax soon.

Reviews pleaaaaaaaaaaaase!

Love you all 3