A big thank you to anyone who has taken their time to read this. I understand this is a pretty old series to be doing a fanfic on and am glad for your support.
Also, if anyone has anything they'd like me to include, do give me a heads up and I'll try to wring something out of my mind
This chapter will also introduce Ai Kuran. If anyone doesn't know, Ai Kuran is the official name for Kaname's and Yuuki's daughter and the onyl Pureblood carrying the Kuran bloodline. She has a bit of an intro in the manga's extra chapters. Since this is talking about the future, I figured it would be wrong to exclude her. And yes, she is my OC, Akira's mother
I hope you all enjoy!
"Seriously Cross, why do we have to come here?" Came the voice of the haggard looking man behind him.
"We were requested to come here." Kirihara Cross replied. "And the request was sent directly by the main house, moreover it was by Sir Klein."
"Klein?" Replied his companion. "He's the highest ranked butler in the Kuran estate. What is so important that he'd be the one to send the request?"
"We'll find out." Cross said as the car arrived at the front gates of the main Kuran estate. The gothic gates were blacker than night and were pointed till they resembled spikes. Though mundane in appearance, it all the more exhibited the unwelcoming visage. Although it was unmanned, the gate opened to allow the car to pass through. Cross drove up the gravel road, at the end which loomed a large mansion. Were there parapets and towers, it would have passed for a castle.
Cross didn't bother trying to find a parking lot. At a side of the road, a man dressed in complete black stood. Were it not for his blonde hair and pale complexion, he may have been able to completely blend into the night. Cross recognised him as Ao, one of the main butlers of the Kuran family.
"Master Cross, Master Ford, I bid you welcome." Ao greeted them with a bow as they got out of the car.
"Hello Mr. Ao." Cross replied. "I trust you will be taking us to her Majesty?"
"As you have said sir, I will." Ao replied. "As of now however, her Majesty is currently indisposed. I will gladly escort you to the guest room where you may wait for her."
"Very well then." Cross nodded.
"Seriously?" His companion, Ford, replied. "I'm not staying around for longer than I want to."
"First of all Mr. Ford." Cross said as Ao gestured for them to follow. "Things don't often go the way we want in life. And second of all, if you think the vampires bear us ill will, they won't. I won't agree to a meeting if I knew it was going to be a trap for us."
"Is that so?" Ford replied, completely unconvinced.
As the three of them walked toward their destination, a squeal sounded right round the corner, causing Ford to tilt his head in curiosity.
"No fair!" Came one voice. It sounded like a boy. "Why do you always get the tree?"
"It isn't my fault you can't reach it!" Came another voice, also appearing to be a boy.
"Hey Akira, it seems Henry and Ganju are at it again. What should we do?"
As the trio rounded the corner, they now passed by a large garden where seven young children now appeared to be playing. One boy was sat upon the branch of the tree while one with blue hair glared up at him. Two more boys were observing the sight a few feet away whilst a trio of girls sat upon a small bench. All of them were dressed in formal attire that appeared absolutely unsuitable for any form of outdoor playtime.
"Well…" Akira replied, looking thoughtful. "I suppose Ganju ought to let Henry have a go."
"If Henry can bother to even try." Ganju said crossly. "My dad says you only get what you work for"
"I do try!" Henry replied adamantly.
"Do not!" Ganju retorted.
"Boys!" Came the blonde haired girl. "Please! The queen is still in her meeting with our relatives!"
"Emi is right." Came an Asian looking one. "Mr. Klein might scold us again if we make too much noise."
"Ganju, just help Henry up ok?" The last girl spoke as she got off the bench, reaching for a small inhaler as she did.
"Kids?" Ford blinked. Despite his voice being a whisper, somehow all seven children had managed to hear him, as they suddenly turned their heads toward them.
"Hey Akira," A red-haired boy spoke. "Are those guys the Hunters that were meant to be coming over today?"
Akira nodded. "I'm sure they are Shinji."
"Hey, we're not their 'marks' are we?" The girl with the inhaler said as she tilted her head to the side.
"Gabriella, it isn't polite to say such things." Akira said in response.
"R-right. I'm sorry…" Gabriella apologised as she bowed low to the two Hunters.
"Ah, no, it's okay." Cross smiled back at her as he continued walking away. At this instant, Klein himself appeared.
"Lord Akira, young masters and madams," He said. "Your cakes are ready. May I escort you all back to the dining room?"
"Ah, of course Mr. Klein." Akira nodded.
"Mr. Klein." Cross greeted just as the boy finished. "Good to see you."
Klein now turned to see the two Hunters. "Ah, Masters Cross and Ford. It is good to see you as well. Rest assured, her Majesty regrets the delays, but as you can see, there are many affairs for the high Nobles to sort out with her."
"Take your time." Cross replied. "I'm in no rush."
"Very well then. If you'll excuse me, I must tend to my duties. Should you require anything, please let Ao know." Klein responded.
"Thank you for your hospitality." Cross said before following Ao down the hallway into the mansion. Ford followed, a stymied look on his face the whole while.
"Who in the world were those kids anyways?" Ford asked as soon as Ao left the waiting room.
"Akira is currently the crown prince of the vampire society." Cross explained.
"Seriously? That little boy?" Ford raised an eyebrow. "Then what about the others? Are they all Purebloods too?"
"Nope. They are all Nobles as far as I know." Cross answered. "Quite interesting that you'd be so curious about them. I heard from the higher ups that you weren't the type to talk so much on a job."
"Of course I'll be curious." Ford grumbled. "It's not every day I get to see vampire kids. Truth be told, I'd be enchanted by the first look if I didn't know they were vampires."
"They truly are beautiful children aren't they?" Cross nodded as he heard the laughter of the seven children from somewhere down the hall.
"For blood-suckers…" Ford whispered.
"That's quite a problematic thing to be saying Ford…" Cross gulped as he 'admonished' his partner. "Even if we are in a state of peace, the queen isn't going to be happy to hear you say such things."
"State of peace huh?" Ford remarked. "Says the three dead people in the past month."
Cross sighed internally, knowing that Ford probably wasn't changing his views anytime soon. True, there was peace, but here and now there would be some occurrence of violence performed by vampires. Thus, the Hunters Association existed to rein in problematic individuals in cooperation with the vampire monarchy. Still, it wasn't anytime soon that old hostilities would be forgotten.
"Well, I suppose it will be some time before they are done." Ford remarked. "Think we could have any form of refreshments? I'm thirsty as hell." As soon as he said so, Ao returned with two cups and a teapot accompanied by a small tray of biscuits.
"Please help yourselves sirs." Ao bowed before he left.
"Don't mind if I do." Cross gleefully said as he served himself. Ford grumbled internally at Cross's childish antics. For all his seniority and influence, the guy never seemed to act seriously in any situation. He could still remember the last case they had gone on, where they had managed to capture the offending vampire, thankfully before he had done any form of 'damage'. He didn't see how the man had captured him, but Cross acted absolutely carefree the entire way. Ford shook his head as the frustration from that day returned again.
"Seriously, you ought to be more cautious here." Ford sighed. "We're in a huge mansion filled with vampires that can come down on us any moment."
"If you are worried about me, fear not." Cross said with a mellow look as he bit a biscuit. "I'm quite well versed in sensing any hostility."
"I somehow find that hard to believe." Ford frowned. "Every single case I've seen you on never really strikes me as you being 'Hunter' material."
Then, Cross's head turned to the door. Ford almost missed the movement, catching it only when Cross's teacup 'plinked' back down on its saucer. It seemed the queen had decided to make some time and arrived as early as she was permitted. Ford immediately went and sat back down. It appeared to be time.
The door opened to reveal Klein and, behind him, a beautiful women with hair blacker than the night and skin fairer than the moon. Her eyes were a supernatural reddish brown, like rust stained with blood. However, despite her ethereal appearance, the woman appeared to radiate a slight warmth, like that of an angel. Ford even appeared entranced by her appearance, feeling the blood rush to his face but still keeping a stoic expression, evidence of his great training. Still, despite it all, the woman appeared to notice his underlying reaction, for she turned towards him and gave a slight smile.
"Your subordinate appears to be well trained Sir Cross." The woman replied with a slight bow.
"I thank you for the compliment your majesty." Cross replied as he bowed in greeting.
Ford now stared quizzically at the vampire queen as she sat down in the sofa opposite them. "Mr. Klein, please bring some more tea for our guests."
"Certainly your majesty." Klein nodded. "Should I also fetch for you the strawberry parfait we have left over?"
"That will not be necessary." She replied with the shake of her head. "I fear that today simply isn't the day for that."
"I understand." Klein nodded. "If you require anything more, do not hesitate to let me know." With a bow, he promptly left. As soon as the door closed, the queen exhaled slightly, as if a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders.
"It is good to see you again Kirihara." She smiled.
"It is nice to see you as well queen Ai." Cross replied. "Is what I'd like to say. But for some reason, I feel you're not in the mood for such pleasant talk." At this, he leaned in. "What is wrong Ai? I can tell that something terrible is weighing on your mind."
"Wait, you can tell?" Ford blinked in surprise. He had been watching her closely ever since she walked in and he couldn't tell what she was thinking at all. As expected of one who would definitely be in thousands upon thousands of diplomatic negotiations. Her poker face was well maintained just as her ability to see another's thoughts.
Or perhaps that was one of her skills as a Pureblood. Ford instantly kept a handle on his own thoughts, fearful of her being able to see them.
"There more you try to squirm, the more I can discern Mr. Ford." Ai replied, snapping Ford out of his daze. A sensation of caution ran through his mind before he snapped out of it, a sense of danger immediately overriding the previous emotion.
"Stay out of my head woman!" He growled, going to full defensive mode.
"I can't get inside your mind." Ai replied in monotone. "But there's no need to if it plainly shows on your face."
"Ford, sit down." Cross said sternly. Ford looked at him and, seeing the serious look on his face, chose not to escalate the situation further.
"I apologise Ai." Cross replied. "I will take responsibility for his actions."
"There's no need for that." Ai waved her hand. "I'd just like us to get back to the issue at hand." At this very moment, Klein walked back in again with another teapot, with which he poured black tea into another cup that he served to Ai. As soon as he had finished, he left again, freeing his queen to speak.
"David is dead." Ai replied as if she had choked the words out. At this, Cross's eyes widened.
"Your husband?" He gasped. "How? When?"
"Four days ago." She replied. "His remains were found in his study at night. Nothing but ashes…"
"What?!" Cross snapped, almost leaping to his feet by reflex. It was only his intense training that kept him composed. "No way. Are you saying, it can't be… One of our own?" Ai didn't reply. However, her tightening of the fingers on her teacup handle could be visibly seen.
"You've got to be kidding!" Ford yelled. "A rogue Hunter? I've never heard of something so ludicrous! Why'd a Hunter kill a Pureblood for no reason?"
"Perhaps…" Ai nodded. "But people are capable of great goodness or great violence. Be they Vampire or Hunter. That is the gift and curse of free will."
A stunned silence hung over the room as the two Hunters now swallowed this new information. That a fellow Hunter would now be responsible for the murder of another Pureblood was inconceivable. However, with the evidence that was being laid bare, there was no other suspect.
"So you want us to investigate." Cross asked. "That is why we are here isn't it?"
"Correct." Ai nodded. "We already have to handle unlawful vampires. I have no one to spare for affairs regarding this, so I must entrust this to you." As she said this however, a slight crack was heard. Ford turned to see a section of one of the teapots starting to break. Despite her incredible poise and calm, it appeared deep down, she was feeling anguished at the death of her beloved. For those who are capable of escaping the grasp of time, he had to wonder how hard it would be for them to handle death, a concept that was so alien to their kind.
"Very well." Cross nodded. "And, I'm sorry for your loss…"
"You're still as kind as you were years ago." Ai smiled sadly. "If only all beings in this world were like you Kirihara."
"I could say the same for you Ai." Cross said as he got up. "If you'll excuse me…" With a bow, Cross mentioned for Ford to follow suit. Ford got up without a shred of protest and accompanied his superior back to the car. As they were walking along the same hallway again, the two now saw the boy named Akira standing on his own out in the garden, staring at the moonlight.
As they approached, he turned his head to face them with a warm smile. "Mr. Hunters, thank you for hearing my mother out."
"Ah, there's no need." Cross smiled. "It was just our duty to do so."
"Duty or not, I believe your presence has helped greatly." Akira answered. "The past few days, mother has become quite reserved. She rarely eats, she has trouble sleeping and she also bit herself once."
Cross listened intently, now only glimpsing the kind of suffering Ai herself went through. Since ancient times, Vampires had caused humans to go through great sorrow and despair, especially the Purebloods. Who would've thought that humans were capable of the same to vampires?
At this, Cross went over, kneeling down before the boy and placing his hand on his shoulder. "Akira, you have my word that whoever murdered your father will be punished accordingly."
Akira blinked, evidently trying to reign in his own sadness. "Mr. Cross…"
"As a Hunter, slaying vampires who threaten humans is my job." Cross responded. "But I too have a code by which I live, and on that code, I will not condone a senseless killing for no apparent reason. That is merely cowardly murder, and I will see to it that the ones responsible meet their just end."
Akira stared intently into Cross's eyes that betrayed nothing, a look of wonderment now crossing his features.
"I must be going Prince Akira." Cross said as he stood up once more. "It appears I have a long day ahead of me."
Akira watched as Cross and Ford left the mansion's premises, even going so far as to watch their car drive off into the night. All to hope for the glimpse of those eyes again. Eyes of determination and strength.
"Still up Akira?" Came a voice. The young vampire turned to see a vampire with silver hair that dropped to the base of her neck.
"Good evening auntie." Akira greeted. "I was just seeing the Hunters off."
"Well, they've already left." His aunt replied. "Come inside before you catch a cold."
Akira followed his aunt back into the mansion, keeping close to the older vampire as much as possible. "Hey auntie…" He spoke after a while.
"Hm?" The vampire responded with a questioning look.
"When I grow up, I want to be just like you." Akira responded. This caused the vampire to stop in her tracks completely.
"Are you serious?" She replied, bending over and looking the young vampire in the eye. "It is a heavy responsibility to bear on your shoulders."
"I know." Akira nodded. "But I want to do my part as well. Mother works hard to maintain peace between us and the humans. You and the other knights work to protect humans from our kind. And Hunters like Mr. Cross work to do the same. But people still suffer, like mother now. I don't want to just sit around not doing anything whilst all this suffering takes place."
His aunt listened to every word, his only response being the slight nodding of his head. Once Akira finished, he placed a hand on the young boy's shoulder. "Such determination can only go so far. If you want to be a Knight, you've got to prove it."
"How?" Akira asked.
His aunt now stood up and walked away. "That's for you to figure out."
Akira stood in the hallway for a few more seconds before the sounds of his friends calling for him captured his attention.