Ren sighed as his council members argued amongst themselves. He glared at Shou who had brought them a contract supposedly with the bloody thumbprint of Kyouko's mother, as proof that she belonged to his coven. Shoko sat appearing contrite as the representative for Akatoki. She hadn't spoken a word other than to reprimand Shou several times for trying to flirt with her whenever he thought no one was paying attention. Neither of them had inquired about how Kyouko was doing. Ren thought that Shou should at least pretend he was concerned since he was demanding she be given back to him.

"How do we know this witch even existed?" Kijima Hidehito finally questioned as he examined the dried blood. "Or that she was the fledglings mother?"

"My parents told me the story of how that witch ditched her daughter with them and my parents are not liars." Shou snarled back.

"Yet they raised one, how odd." Kijima shot back and Ren had to hold back his smile.

"When have I ever lied?" Shou inquired earning an undignified snort from Sawara-san. "Ok there was that one report I got in trouble for embellishing a bit on. It was months ago, let it go."

"Show some respect Fuwa." Maria growled from her place in Lory's chair on Ren's left. She shuffled her deck of tarot cards as she glared at Shou. She imagined the fledgling they had found as a small child frightened of the teenage boy who stole her blood.

"No one asked for your opinion twerp." Shou growled.

"You will address Maria-chan as princess. As that is what she is; Lory's heir and your superior in every way, Fuwa." Ren stated calmly but with authority.

Shou flinched and his eyes scanned over the child's face. He had never seen Lory or his granddaughter. In truth he never concerned himself with the previous ruler as his only concern had been to get the current one dethroned. He had thought however that the successor to the throne would be a beautiful and slightly older princess not a child with a temper problem.

"Don't scowl at me like that you filthy lecher." Maria sneered and flicked a card at him. "That is for you." Shou jumped back and tumbled to the floor filled with fear over the card. "What a wimp. Afraid of a card, honestly."

"Maria-chan." Ren admonished softly, and the small girl retuned to shuffling her deck silently. "Now then, has the council decided on a fitting punishment for Fuwa Shou and the Akatoki hunting society?"

"You can't punish me without a trial!" Shou protested jumping up and slamming his fists down on the contract for emphasis. "Her mother gave her to my parents, and they gave her to me. That's her blood right there. She was a witch not an Upyr. Kyouko was human and I must have accidentally turned or possessed her."

"I can punish you whenever I please, Fuwa." Ren almost lost control of his temper but he managed to keep his voice steady. "I saw what you did to that girl and she is an Upyr not a human. Any vampire from the lowliest Algul to the highest ranking Upyr can see it in her eyes and smell it in her blood. There is no way you and your entire coven couldn't have known. And don't pretend that you have any such power to possess someone."

"Her mother was a witch! She was given to me so that we could marry and create vampire-witch hybrids." Shou shouted.

"Ew, you were going to marry a fledgling? Does the Fuwa clan have no dignity." Matsushima asked and the rest of the vampire council looked at Shou in disgust. "For the record that isn't how you create a Broxa."

Nakazawa-san pulled the contract over to him and read through it. It was short and in a rushed scrawl which made it difficult to make out all the words. It did state boldly that Kyouko belonged to the Fuwa to do with as they pleased. There was however a stipulation that she was not meant to be given blood or turned into a vampire. Her meat consumption was also meant to be limited or avoided altogether if possible. The thumbprint at the bottom as well as the drops of blood covering the parchment were the blood of a witch, but not of a witch who was owned by a vampire coven.

"Ren-sama I believe he might just be telling the truth." Nakazawa said handing the contract out to Ren. "The print is from a Broxa, a real vampire-witch hybrid." He said looking at Shou pointedly. "A child born of a witch bitten and turned while pregnant. Whomever her mother was would have been a powerful Upyr with all the powers of a natural witch."

"That's impossible. You can't turn a pregnant woman without the child dying." Maria said looking at Sawara-san, her teacher.

"It is improbable my dear, but it has happened before." Sawara-san said hauntingly. "It is a rather gruesome process in which the offspring eats their way out of the mother. The mother usually dies before the baby can be born or the baby simply never begins to feed and both mother and baby die. Those who do manage to be born however," he paused with a shiver. "I've only ever met one Broxa and she was the coldest creature I'd ever laid eyes on. She was completely heartless, without compassion or mercy for other living beings. If the fledgling's mother was such a being it is a wonder, she was delivered to the Fuwa and allowed to live at all."

"And this daughter of a Broxa, how would she turn out?" Shoko asked, speaking up for the first time. She had heard of Broxa but the topic was taboo among witches and a coven witch like herself would have no cause to worry about birthing one.

"Broxa don't have children. At least I've never heard of one forming any kind of romantic attachment to anyone long enough to birth a child. They are meticulous, smart, powerful, and very beautiful but they'd kill you without a second thought on a whim. They are taboo because we fear them." Matsushima said as Ren sniffed the blood. "A Broxa would sooner kill an Upyr than mate with one. I'd wager a guess that a child born from such a union would be as dangerous as a Vukodlak."

"What's a vuka… vukla… vuko thing?" Maria asked never having heard the mention of such a creature.

Ren cleared his throat and Sawara-san forced a reassuring smile for Maria. "We'll get to that lesson later."

"Right, we must explain Broxa first." Shoko said understanding why they would shield a young Upyr from the topic of deranged Upyr.

"The Broxa nearly killed all the Upyr before. It was once all the rage to attempt breeding Broxa and some still try even now." Nakazawa-san said with a wry smile. "Though as Fuwa demonstrated most of the younger generations have no clue how to create a Broxa. Lory and I were young hunters when the last blood king ordered the extermination of the Broxa when it was found out that they had a predilection for Upyr blood; one which could never be sated. Many Upyr covens went extinct during that time."

"So, you see, I'm telling the truth. Kyouko belongs to me." Shou said not quite comprehending what they were talking about.

"Sit down and be quiet." Ren commanded and like it or not Shou's body was compelled to obey. He returned his attention to his council. "What you're saying is there are no other vampires like this girl? No other Broxa has had a child and therefore we have no idea how this one will behave."

"Correct." Sawara-san answered. "If her mother was the Broxa who left this contract then that fledgling is extremely dangerous. There is another possibility however, and a far more likely one."

"Which is?" Kijima prodded.

"The Broxa's blood is on this contract because it attacked the fledgling's real family. One family member survived and escaped with the child. Another Upyr could have been powerful enough to seal the vampirism. They would have had to have been from a really powerful lineage.

"That is also very likely. Which is more likely however? A powerful coven had a child no one knew about before they were destroyed or a powerful monster incapable of love created a life with another and sought to protect that life by hiding her away?" Ren asked and his council fixed their uncertain gazes on the contract in his hand.

"What will you do with her?" Shoko asked worried that they would kill the girl but also terrified of what the young vampire could do to all of them.

Smoke rose from Ren's hand and slowly ashes fell to the conference table like gray snow. He opened his palm to show Shou what he thought of the contract.

"Even if you burn it, my family is all Kyouko has ever known. We're all she has." Shou spoke in a strained voice.

"We will decide Kyouko's fate once she is awake and healthy enough to have a say in the matter. Today we are determining the punishment for Fuwa and his coven as well as the Akatoki hunting society." Ren said staring Shou down. "Sit quietly and listen to what the council has to say. Your voice grates on my nerves."

Shou's curses came out as muted noises as his lips refused to open for him to retort. Ren motioned for Kijima to speak as head of the council.

Kijima stood up and smiled happily at Ren "My fellow council members and I have unanimously agreed that Fuwa's punishment should be exactly what he's been requesting; he should have the snot beaten out of him by the king." Kijima stated proudly. As Ren's self-appointed best friend Kijima had been all for a duel between Ren and Shou. He longed to watch Ren in action like the good old days when they hunted together. "It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it."

Ignoring Kijima's dreamy gaze Ren turned to Sawara. "Was this really unanimous?"

"Not really but we would all enjoy it, nonetheless. I voted to make him the fledglings blood doll." Sawara said smiling smugly at Shou.

"Nobody would want his blood; it must taste rotten." Maria-chan said cutting her cards into three piles. "I say if I draw the death card that's what he should get."

"The death card doesn't stand for death Maria-chan." Sawara-san chastised. "I knew you weren't paying attention in class."

"Death." She said flinging the death card across the table at Shou. Shou flinched and Maria rolled her eyes. "The card can't kill you, stupid."

"I think he should be stripped of his rank and title then sent home to serve the people he once lorded over." Matsushima-san said glaring at Shou. "I've always detested arrogant nobles."

Maria-chan combed her fingers through her golden curls and pouted. "You said he nearly drained a baby Upyr, why shouldn't he be put to death for that?" She asked the older members of the council. "From the perspective of one who is young and untrained and still depends on adult vampires to keep me safe, I say death is too good for him. The poor child must have been so afraid and lonely." Maria shivered and Ren raised a brow at her. What child was she talking about?

"Death is pretty much what he'll get if Ren agrees to fight him. Nothing can save the Fuwa heir now." Kijima said punching the air. "You foolish boy, you challenged the king. Let the battle happen already." He said turning to his fellow council members. "I want to watch our king rip the gaki bastards head off."

"Kijima," Ren admonished but the door opening stole his attention.

"Well who's this?" Kijima asked when Kyouko entered the room.

"Are you lost young lady?" Sawara asked with concern.

"Kyouko?" Ren's pulse quickened at the sight of her glowing golden eyes.

Kyouko swallowed the blood in her mouth. Before anyone could stop her, she sprinted at Ren and pounced on him.

"Kyouko what are you doing?" Shou asked the shock finally enabling him to pry his mouth open.

A sigh escaped her as her teeth pierced his flesh and his blood flowed freely into her mouth.

"Tsuruga-sama!" Matsushima, Sawara, and Nakazawa all stood in unison to help pry Kyouko off of Ren but Ren raised a hand signaling for them to sit back down.

"This is an outrage!" Maria shouted. "Get off my future husband! I'll curse you."

"This is the Upyr fledgling?" Kijima asked. "She's a lot older than I'd imagined." His eyes roamed over Kyouko. "When Yashiro said she was a fledgling I assumed she was a child. Fuwa you have a lot of explaining to do." He said then smirked at Ren. "She's kind of cute. No wonder you let her drink your blood. I'm jealous."

"Of what exactly? She could end up attached to him forever and you all said she could be dangerous." Maria exclaimed marching over to them. "Get off him."

"Maria-chan take a seat and behave yourself." Yashiro said upon entering the room. "Again, Ren really? You know if you keep letting her do that, she won't ever want to drink anything else."

"Somehow I don't think he'll mind that." Kijima remarked. "Though if he does mind, I'd be happy to take her off his hands."

Placing one hand on Kyouko's head and the other around her waist Ren said nonchalantly. "It doesn't bother me." Even as he said it however he had to close his eyes against the glowing green that he could feeling beginning to break through the glamour charm Jelly had placed on him.

"Kyouko, that's disgusting." Shou sneered as they all watched Kyouko remove her fangs from Ren's neck and begin to lick the blood she'd missed.

The bite healed quickly and Kyouko backed away staring at his neck. Her brows knit together, and she flexed the fingers that were digging into his back holding him in place. She pulled back farther assessing her position in the tall man's arms with her legs wrapped around him. There was no need for her to look behind herself as she could feel all the eyes on her. Slowly Ren allowed his eyes to open willing the green to fade.

"I'm sorry." Panicking she leapt out of his arms and threw herself to the floor at his feet. "I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me or how I could behave in such a brazen manner. Please flay me alive. Lock me in your dungeon and run your experiments on me."

"Ren you have a dungeon? Can I come play with her in it too?" Kijima joked and Ren glowered at the man.

"There is no dungeon. I already told you that and we won't experiment on you." Yashiro reassured her, bending down to take her arm. "Come on get up. What's done is done." Kyouko pulled her arm away from him and continued to prostrate herself before Ren.

"The king should punish me. I am ready to accept my fate. You can slice me up and cook me for dinner if it pleases you Tsuruga-sama." Kyouko said pressing her nose firmly against the carpet.

"Honestly I don't know who filled your head with these lies about Ren?" Yashiro asked then collectively every pair of eyes in the room turned to Shou.

"Fuwa, I honestly don't know if you're a liar or just stupid." Ren sighed and bent down to help Kyouko up. "Come on now get up."

Kyouko looked up into his eyes but didn't stand.

"I said get up." Ren repeated the command with a little more authority.

"I…" Kyouko hung her head and stayed on the floor. The other vampires held their breaths and stared on in confusion as she disobeyed their king.

"Well now this is interesting." Lory said puffing on his cigar.

Ren turned to find Lory had appeared in the room and seated himself on a throne Ruuto had set down for him. Casually the assistant poured blood into a teacup and handed it to Lory. The way Lory looked at him felt like a challenge and he wasn't going to lose. Gripping her chin, he looked deep into Kyouko's eyes.

"Kyouko, get up." He demanded with all the authority he could muster.

"Alright." She said. "Let go of me first."

Silence fell over the room as all the vampires held their breath. None of them could defy a direct order if they wanted to. Though Ren was of the lowest class of vampire he had one unique talent which enabled him to be king: obedience inducement. He could make anyone do anything regardless of their thoughts or feelings. It was this power that got him noticed as a hunter and why the old council had suggested to the royal class of Upyr that Ren should be king.

Ren hesitated for a moment then pulled his hands away from her. She stood up but stared down at her feet, worried that she had angered him. He glanced at Lory who was staring curiously at Kyouko.

"I'm sorry for attacking you. Please punish me as you see fit." She said ready to fall back down and beg him to show her no mercy.

"What the hell did you do to this girl?" Ren growled at Shou. "I won't hurt you and I'm not angry about the blood."

"But you are angry." Was Kyouko's matter of fact reply then she flinched as she felt his anger flare.

"Yes, but not at you." Yashiro answered for him.

"Here, have a seat." Ren attempted to command her again, but he was met with resistance once more.

"Isn't that your chair?" Kyouko asked taking a step away from him.

"Yes," Ren began dumbfounded by the casual way she defied him. "How are you doing that?"

"Doing what Tsuruga-sama?" Kyouko asked daring to peek up at him through her lashes.

Ren leaned down drawn in by her golden eyes. "Questioning your king." Kyouko leaned closer finding herself drawn to him.

"What the hell Kyouko!" Shou shoved his way between them seizing Kyouko by the shoulders. "You're going home to mother and father."

"Get your hands off me." Kyouko's voice came out clear and resonated in Shou's bones. Searing pain shot through his hands where he touched her. He fell to the floor crying out and staring down at his scorched hands.

"How did you do that?" Yashiro asked in awe.

Kyouko stared down at Shou's hands. Burn him. A voice which was becoming terrifyingly familiar echoed in her mind. Her hand twitched to touch him.

"Get him away from me!" She cried turning away from Shou. Ren caught in his arms before she could flee. "No please."

"Shh, it's alright. I won't let him hurt you." He soothed thinking she was afraid of Shou. Her skin was warm, but it didn't burn him and when he held her close all she could smell was his blood. The voice inside hummed and compelled her to press herself closer to him to breath in his scent.

"No fair I want to hug Ren too." Kijima whined breaking the tension.

"Kijima take Fuwa and Shoko-san to their rooms." Ren commanded and Kijima nodded.

"Right away boss."

"I'm not leaving without Kyouko." Shou protested but Kijima easily subdued him and dragged him away. "She's my property you can't take her from me Tsuruga!"

Shoko bowed deeply. "Please forgive me Kyouko-sama. I will accept whatever punishment the council deems fair. All I ask is forgiveness from you." She paused for a moment then left to help Kijima with Shou.

"Is that better?" Ren asked lifting Kyouko's chin.

Kyouko blinked up at him realizing that she had let her hunger take over her body again. A lovely shade of scarlet took over her cheeks and she pulled away from him not noticing that his face was also turning red.

"I'm sorry."

Behind her back Yashiro snickered. It was the first time he'd ever witnessed Ren blush.

"You should be sorry." Maria grumbled interrupting the moment. "That was a gross display of neediness and fear. Fuwa is scared of cards and you're afraid of him. What's that say about you."

"Maria." Lory scolded firmly.

The silence and the tension returned as the older vampires examined Kyouko. Nothing about her appeared threatening. Though she could be doomed to become like the Broxa; cold and murderous? Or could she grow into something else; something more dangerous if left unchecked? The safest course would be to kill her but none of them thought they could live with the guilt nor endure the agony of never knowing what she might have become.

"The other Upyr will seek to use her." Ren said knowing the tricks and schemes many of the covens resorted to for power. Already the Morizumi and Koenji covens had communicated their discontent over their king having his blood drawn by an unknown. What would happen if the covens learned she was immune to his commands? "Forgive me, Kyouko but we will have to get ahead of them. I cannot allow the power you possess to fall into the wrong hands." She took another step away from him unsure of what power he thought she had which was so valuable.

"I am to be your prisoner?" Kyouko asked. "You said you didn't have a dungeon."

"My dear, I'm afraid that once we're done with you, you might wish for a damp cell to be locked in." Lory said guessing Ren's plans. "It won't be all bad though. You will be my vampire daughter and only the people in this room will know the truth. We will train and prepare you."

"What truth are you talking about? Prepare me for what exactly?"