"Senri, my dear grand-nephew…"

Sayatohi Shiki placed a hand over the young burgundy haired boy's head while towering in height over him.

"Always keep in mind that Kuran [raa1] Aiyora is not just your half-sister, she is the girl who will one day become your wife. So starting from now you should slowly start to treat her as such. Make sure to love her, cherish her and shower her with affections."

Young Senri only blinked his eyes. He said nothing, nor was there a need to.
He knows how special Aiyora is to him. He already loved her and cherished her like there is no tomorrow.
And it shall forever be that way.
Nothing can ever alter it.

He need not be told how to love her, for he already knew…


Four years later:

The season was spring; the month was around middle of April. The weather was perfect, not that cold nor was it burning hot. But that particular evening was a chilly one.

Shiki Midori was taking a stroll on the garden with her personal maid Ayu watching her closely. The former actress had her attention fully focused on the freshly bloomed flowers. She was examining one of the large pink rose in particular.

"Do you like it my lady?" the former actress vaguely heard her maid ask, but didn't respond. Her focus stayed on the rose like it was an object of great importance.

"Higher! Higher! Senri-chan."

The sudden demanded from a chirpy, childish voice got her attention. Tearing her gaze away from the rose lady Shiki faced the mansion only to catch sight of the children on top of the roof.

The pureblood was sitting upon her son's shoulder like he is her personal chair. Using both his hands Senri was holding the girl to prevent her from falling while she had her one hand extended in an attempt to try to rise higher.

Thanks to her keen hearing sense Midori was fully able to hear their conversation despite being so far away.

"Senri-chan I still cannot touch the stars."

"Ai-chan..." he let out a tired sigh. "You cannot reach the stars and this is the highest I can take you."

"Why can't you fly Senri-chan?" came her childish demand.

"Because I'm not a bird!" the boy said with another sigh, clearly annoyed this time.

Unknowingly Midori gritted her teeth and balled her hands into fist. The pureblood's absurd demand infuriated her. How dare that brat treat her son like that?

However that wasn't the case with her son. Within the last four years Senri has grown quite attached to his half-sister. So denying her of anything now is harder. Even though the boy never expressed anything out loud but he cared for her…he cared very much. And one could easily tell that from his body language.

Midori and her maid continued to watch her children. She eyed them bitterly while her maid enjoyed every bit of their play.

"Look at her, that pureblood brat, treating my son like he is her slave!" Midori hissed.

Her maid turned towards her with worried expression.

"To me it appears that your son at this young age has achieved more than you."

A third voice interrupted, taunting the displeased woman.

It was the maid who first noticed the head of the families approaching figure. Bowing before the approaching figure the maid moved away leaving her mistress with her uncle.

"Oh, I did not even notice you coming." Midori dryly commented when her uncle wrapped an arm around her shoulder. No matter the condition of her mental state, deep down Midori always knew her uncle never cared about her. All that mattered to him was his greed for power…which is why without hesitation he threw her at the feet of that savage brute again and again despite the pain and heart break he caused her. For this very reason, in her subconscious mind Midori will never find it in her to forgive him. After all it's his greed that'd ruined her life and now the same story will repeat with her son.

"Midori, look at that…" He pointed towards the scene of Senri tightly holding onto Aiyora as she remained seated on his shoulder.

"I'm so happy to see his progress with Aiyora-sama in the last few years. He is utilizing his opportunity well. That makes me proud."

"He is a fool!" his niece retaliated back on his earlier words and slapped his hand away from her shoulders.

Only to sneers moments later.

"All day following around the pureblood around like a lost puppy!"

Sayatohi was able to note the changes in Midori's tone. She was losing control over her temper. Keeping her outside at times like this could be risky.

"Take her to her chamber." He commanded a passing by maid.

Despite Midori's protest and scream the maid dragged her back inside while the Shiki lord helplessly watched recalling those glorious days when his niece used to a top level actress. A star, heartthrob for millions. And today... all her fame, all her stardom is gone. Leaving her barely recognizable. The feelings she harbored for that wretched pureblood cost her everything.

Shiki Sayatohi let out a deep exhale of air. Sometime his heart ached, it felt guilty for bringing this cursed fate upon his own niece. But then…in order to climb up this was the ultimate way. Shaking those emotional thoughts out of his head the man focused his greedy eyes on the children and watched with delight as Aiyora dragged Senri down with her. It was indeed surprising to think how close the two have grown within such a small period of time.

During the earlier days Senri was only a replacement for Kuran prince. The former only came into her mind every time the latter turned her down. Fortunately for Shiki family which happened most of the time. So after years of ignorance, now for little Aiyora her Kanname onii-sama is out of sight, out of mind.

It has been close to two years since Aiyora last tried to contact him or cried for him.

Senri has automatically filled up the void the older pureblood made. Now, he happens to be not only her big brother but her closest friend. And also her future husband… which she has yet no knowledge off. But from what it appears, Shiki Sayatohi is quite affirmative that once Aiyora learns about her engagement to Senri she will delightfully accept it.

Senri tenderly took hold of his fiancée's hand.

"It's getting cold. Let's go inside Ai-chan." His voice full of love and care.

The little pureblood however wasn't satisfied with just that, she wanted more.

"No, carry me Senri-chan!" With just those words she pulled her hand free and practically pounced on his back.

"You're heavy too heavy. Eat less from next time!" Senri said with an exhausted sigh.

Aiyora however reacted by rolling her tongue and making at faces at him.

Sayatohi couldn't hold back, his smile turned into a vicious smirk.

After all victory is nearby.


Evening was the usual time in the Shiki residence when the tutor named Mari sat down with the children for their education.

The siblings had sharp brain. The only problem was Senri barely showed any interest during studies. However he never interrupted lessons either. He quietly went on with the tutors flow to end the session as fast as possible. His half-sister on the other hand was the real challenge. Out of the two she was actually the more shaper one especially with mathematics. On days when she pays attention is it fun to teach her. But on other days she is a nightmare.

That evening was also no different. The little ones were seated side by side opposite to their tutor. Who in fact was putting her whole heart, soul and sweat into her teaching. However by the sight of the young ones it was clear that neither one of them was in the mood to study. Senri with his usual bored expression continued to munch on his pocky biscuit. Seated beside him Aiyora was trying her best to make a balloon out of her bubble gum.

It appeared as though Senri was giving a bit of attention but Aiyora was a different story. As mentioned earlier getting her to even sit down on the study table was one form of struggle and then getting her to pay attention was another battle entirely. Either her mind would wonder of here and there or she will dose off through mid-way. On many occasions Mari was driven close to the edge of her patience by Aiyora's un-attentiveness but unfortunately she had to hold herself back since under no circumstances she was permitted to scold the pureblood.

"So that is be all for today!" Mari declared closing the text book with exasperated sigh.

"Yay!" Aiyora shot up her arms in joy while the balloon from her bubble-gum exploded spreading its remainder near her mouth.

Beside her Senri only sighed and from the corner of his eyes he looked at clock to notice how early it was than their usual time to be wrapped up. Aiyora on the other hand could care less about that, as long as she did not have to sit here with boring books. The pureblood was about to hop down from her seat when Mari called out to get her attention.

"Aiyora-sama we may be done with the study for the day, however our lesson is far from over."

The joy on Aiyora face right away turned into anger as she bounced back to her seat crossing her arms over her chest imitating an adult while huffing and puffing her face at the same.

Mari started off by telling them about the special visit they are to expect tomorrow from the senate. From there she slowly went onto the details like the kind of image and behavior they must portray before their visitors. How to behave in proper manner, what they are expected to answer or how they should do this, do that etc. etc.


"There she comes, Ichio-sama."

The senior Ichijo's eyes followed lord Shiki's gaze which made his eyes land on the small figure that was descending down the stairs. Behind her was a cautious maid watching her every move carefully.

The young pureblood was perfectly dressed for the occasion. The dress she wore ended right above her knees. The color pink complemented her pale complexion very well. Her raven black hair was tied up in a tight French-braid that started all the way at the top of her head. Then the matching shoes with her dress paired with lacy socks that rolled up above her ankle added an extra bit to her cute persona.

Among all these cuteness what caught Ichijo Asoto's attention the most was her eyes, those glistening blue eyes that she inherited from her grandfather.

By the time Aiyora was on the last step of the stairs Sayatohi went forward. He took her by the hand and guided her towards the current head of the vampire council and introduced the two.

"I am very pleased to meet you Ichijo-sama!" She said with deep bow. Her action took both the aristocrats by surprise.

"Oh no the pleasure is all mine my fair lady." Ichio said kissing the back of her hand.

Then patted on the empty space beside him on the sofa gesturing her to take the seat. As Aiyora marched forward the senior vampire guided her and placed her beside him. The two started a friendly chat while the head of the Shiki clan was just left there to stand awkwardly.

All throughout their conversation Ichio observed Aiyora. So far there was nothing questionable. She appeared to be a bright child with no traces of her father's madness and mother arrogance. Aiyora, unlike her parents was humble and innocent. A person with good heart. Ichio could not push the thought back, how is it even possible for someone of great evil to produce so much innocence?...But then again this pureblood is still a child and at such delicate stage it is hard to make a picture of how her character will turn out to be. Will she get her mother's arrogance or her father insanity? Or both? Only time will tell.

Half way through their conversation Ichio started mentally note how often Aiyora mentioned her half -brother. Every time she did, her face flushed a deeper shade. Her admiration for the bastard shined in her eyes and nor did she put any effort to hide it. And it bothered Ichio to the point where he went as far as to voice some question in order to seek answer.

"You sound quite fond of this boy?" Ichio asked, carefully watching for her reaction.

"…Yes I am." She admitted honestly. Her blush deepened as she continued praise him.

"Senri-chan has a kind heart; he is smart, generous, handsome and very admirable. He takes care of me. We play together, we study together, and we eat together. And on days when I am too scared to sleep alone Senri-chan sleeps with me. We cuddle till I fall asleep."

"You both share a bed often?" Ichio pointed out while shooting a nasty glare in Sayatohi's direction understanding his game.

"Yes!" Aiyora nodded her head enthusiastically. "He also calls me his cuddle bear because I am soft to sleep against. Oh there he is-" she suddenly looked up and upon sight of her brother became too excited. "Senri-chan! Senri-chan! Senri-chan! Come down."

The boy only shied away.

Ichio was disturbed by what he saw. To him the future seemed clear.

"May I be excused…" Aiyora politely asked Ichio. "…so that I can go play with Senri-chan?"

"Yes of course my lady." He complied, placing another kiss on the back of her hand. His experienced eyes watched how fast she ran towards the figure standing all the way on top of the stairs and pounced herself into his arms, completely surrendering herself to him.

"They are very close…aren't they?"

Ichio conversationally asked the Shiki lord who proudly answered not removing his gaze from the little puppy lovebirds.

"Inseparable."

Ichio turned his head to glare at the other male.

"And why is this vulgar behavior being tolerated...? That too under your watch Shiki!"

The said person only chuckled. Oh how long has he waited to hear someone ask him that question!? Finally now he can boast about fact he had been keeping secret for years.

"I hate to break it down to you this way but Aiyora-sama is betrothed to our Senri. They are to be wed soon as she turns the right age."

"Excuse me!?"

Ichio's eyes narrowed down. His clenched his jaws tightly, biting the inside of his mouth to keep his temper in check. The news hit him like thunder. This wasn't something he expected. The Shiki family finding themselves a pure blood bride, a daughter of Kuran family on top of that. It was simply unacceptable. If this marriage is to take place than then it will bring down the reputation of his family.

"A pureblood princess engaged to an aristocrat? How interesting!" Ichio hid his trouble and went to dig further in the matter.

"Indeed!" Sayatohi continued to brag. "This decision was made by Kuran Haruka-sama himself, just months before his unfortunate death."

Ichio barely hummed as a response. He didn't show much interest in the matter. However the head of the Shiki family already knew of his disappointment the other vampire was suffering inside. And he dared smirk, just thinking about the privileged position he would be in and the ladder his family would climb once this marriage takes place. Oh he simply couldn't wait for that day to come.

But if only Shiki Sayatohi knew the mess that would soon knock at his doorstep…

"Please do have dinner with us tonight."

Sayatohi invited but Ichio immediately declined with the excuse.

"Thank you, but I simply came to visit Aiyora-sama and to personally see if she has been looked after well. Besides I am much needed at the council headquarter. I'm sure you heard about the massacre caused by pureblood Hio Shizuka-sama at the Kiryu hunters' residence?"

"Oh yes, that unfortunate topic is what everybody has been talking about these days."


Ichijo Mansion:

The dining room was dimly lit. Only three people were seated on the large grandeur table.

Ichijo Asoto was seated at the center occupying the chair that belonged only to the head of the family. On his right was his grandson Takuma and on his left was the Kuran prince he has been put under his care after the unfortunate demise of lord and lady Kuran.

It was awfully quiet at the dinner table that night. No one actually spoke. Each concentrated on their respective meals. Except for Takuma, he took few attempts to start up some conversation to lighten the mood. But his attempts remained futile since neither his best friend nor his grandfather really participated.

The real conversation actually started when the senior vampire finally spoke.

"Have you heard about the Kiryu family massacre that took place days prior?"

Takuma remained silent knowing all too well that the question was meant for his friend.

"Yes it was very unfortunate and a disgrace for us purebloods to have one of our own act so irrationally." Was Kaname's response.

"I have heard about it too. And I must say I too was shocked by such a brutal act of a pureblood." Takuma jumped into the conversation but before he could go any further his grandfather already fixed him with one of his hard glares then focused his attention back to the young Kuran.

"The bodies of both hunters were found inside the house. Their oldest twin was found not too far from them, in a quite critical condition and has been taken into custody by Kaien Cross."

Ichio paused briefly to study the pureblood's feature but found nothing; which led him to further continue.

"However the other twin is missing. The hunter's association has declared him dead."

"I see…" Kaname mused, sipping into his drink. "…and what off Shizuka?"

"Unfortunately has managed to escape." Ichio declared in a disappointed tone. "However our guards are on the search to bring her down."

Kaname shot him a look. No other form of response was made other than that, which caused the older vampire scowl deep inside. The pureblood's lack of interest in their conversation actually offended him.

"But grandfather, I don't understand how did Shizuka-sama escape despite being under such strict watch…?" Takuma unintentionally interrupted.

"Where are your manners Takuma? Have I not told you not to speak when others are already engaged in conversation?" Ichio vented out his anger meant for the pureblood on his own grandson.

The young blonde apologized and backed away from the conversation right away. His green eyes clashed with his friend's wine ones that were looking at him with indifferent expression. The pureblood was the first to break the eye contact as his attention was diverted when the senior Ichijo spoke again.

"Is my conversation boring you Kaname-sama?" Ichio tried to taunt.

"I regret to tell you it is not the most interesting one either." The pureblood retaliated back perfectly, and to rub salt on fresh wound he added a smirk at the corner of his lips.

"Well in that case let me give you the real interesting news!"

Ichio [raa2] continued with his efforts to mock the pureblood.

"I paid a visit to Aiyora-sama today. And oh my, she is grown into quite a beauty I tell you."

Kaname did not react. Nor was there a change in the look of disinterest he had displayed.

"However the disappointing news is that she had been engaged to the son of the Shiki family. The bastard your uncle produced with the lady of that house. Shiki Senri, I believe what he is called."

There was still no reaction from Kaname. He simply continued to eat his meal.

"Just so you know that, this outrageous arrangement was made by none other than your late father. Or so lord Shiki claims."

"I see…so?" Kaname uttered those words out of politeness but put no effort to hide his boredom. In all honesty what would he do knowing whom Aiyora is engaged to? How is that any of his concern? After all it is Yuuki who is his responsibility, not Aiyora.

"It is just that I cannot ignore the thought as to why despite having his own son Haruka-sama made the silly choice to get her engaged to the Shiki boy? The sum does not add up."

"I'm sure my father had his reasons." Kaname quickly cut in, keeping the blank face outside while inside he could not help but panic thinking if the senate was getting any clue about Yuuki's existence.

"Forgive my bluntness but I'm afraid I cannot approve this match. No one should in their right mind."

Kaname and Takuma both looked at the Ichio.

"She is a pureblood! A Kuran princess! She should not be married into the Shiki family?"

Both friends shared a small eye contact.

"I see you as a more suitable match for her than that your uncle's illegitimate son."

Kaname darkly chuckled and mocked. "So now you're trying to match-make."

"I am simply reminding you of your responsibilities that you have as the pureblood prince and as one of the last remaining member of the Kuran family."

"And if I tell you that I do not accept this proposal? Kaname [raa3] challenged.

"First of all it is my job to change your no to yes. But on the other hand I cannot force a pureblood such as you. And nor am I willing to lose that girl. So if you don't want to marry her that is fine with me, because then I can get her engaged to my own grandson. I'm sure Aiyora-sama and Takuma will make a fine couple."

Takuma, who had his mouthful that time, chocked on his meal at his grandfather's announcement. Kaname still maintained his indifferent expression. However with his experienced eyes only Ichio was able to detect the slight glint of disappointment that was shining in the Kuran heir's wine eyes.

"Don't worry Kaname-sama I intend to put no pressure on you. Take few days; think about it what I said and when you feel like you have made up your mind just let me know your decision I will make the announcement at the council."

The Kuran pureblood gave him no response. He simply put his fork down, quit his meal half way and left totally ignoring his best friends call.

While Takuma continued to call after Kaname his grandfather shook his head slightly and smirked, his eyes following the retreating figure of the pureblood. He took bliss in the fact that he had upper hand in the situation for once.


Council Headquarter:

"IMPOSSIBLE!"

The head of the Shiki family exclaimed standing up from his seat in protest to the announcement that was just made.

All heads turned in his directions. He was the only one on the odd side. But that did not stop lord Shiki from slamming his hand down on the table and go on with the claim.

"I object this union." His powerful voice echoed all throughout the conference room. "Kuran [raa4] Aiyora is already engaged, to my grand-nephew. That arrangement was made by late Haruka-sama himself. He gave me his words that she will be the bride of my house."

The look of surprise spread through all the members at the new information. Majority of them gave him like he had grown two heads; except for Ichio off-course. He managed to keep his blank face intact.

"In that case, show us the papers …I'm sure we can come to some amicable agreement." One of the council members opened his mouth and broke the uncomfortable silence that was created by Shiki's outrageous claim.

"The papers were to be made, but unfortunately before that…" Sayatohi left his sentence incomplete hinting the Kurans' death.

"So are you saying that this so called arrangement of marriage between a pureblood and an aristocrat was made via word of mouth only?" Another member questioned. "You do realize Shiki-dono it does not work like that."

"I already told you, Haruka-sama was going to make the papers but he died before that."

No one beloved him, it was clearly written on their faces. It was very natural to react that way.

"Why should we believe you? How do we know that you are not lying?" Exclaimed the fiery haired male known as lord Kain; he, who was seated at the very corner of the room.

Soon lord Souen joined in. "The claim you made, it also leaves the floor open for me to claim that Haruka-sama promised to make my daughter Ruka his own son's wife."

"I could also have the same claim for my son Hanabusa or my daughter Tsukiko." Lord Aidou added joining the Souen lord.

The leader of the Shiki family was left cornered in this situation. He turned to the head of the vampire council and gave him a pleading look to take his side. However the head of the council was seated with a hand over his mouth to cover up that conniving smile that was making his way onto his lips.

"Ichio-sama, I thought we discussed about it when you came my house that day. You showed no sign of problem then, so why now you are suddenly opposing? Where is this coming from?"

"Let me assure you I played no part. It was Kaname-sama who expressed his desire to marry his cousin. And you do realize I am in no position to defy a pureblood. None of us are."

"If I do not agree to break this arrangement between Aiyora-sama and Senri Shiki…?" Sayatohi added as an open challenge.

"I don't think you understand Shiki, it really does not matter what you want, when the arrangement you claim has no existence at all with absolutely no evidence to prove it with." Ichio said.

"But-"Sayatohi only got cut off once more but this time for good.

"Listen as the president of the council let me make one thing clear. If you are trying to cause unrest over a non-existent matter, then we as the senate will be left with no choice but to take away Aiyora-sama's custody from you."

The said male gulped nervously. He understood it would be pointless to further argue with them. Forget winning the battle, it will only make matters worse.

But…but… maybe by speaking to Kuran Kuran he could strike some real steal of a deal.


The decision made at the council that day had it effect reflected at the Shiki household directly; especially on the innocent relationship that the two children maids and servants were instructed to maintain a decent distance between Aiyora and Senri at all times. They were no longer allowed to be too close like they used to be not too long before.

Senri had been made aware about the situation, also the fact that he is no longer Aiyora's fiancé and that position has now been taken over by his pureblood cousin, Kuran Kaname.

The burgundy haired boy like usual gave no response to the matter because by now he was old enough to understand the customs of the vampire society. A pureblood has to marry another pureblood. A part of Senri that really ached for Aiyora wanted to retaliate back but the logical part of his brain argued that the chances of him winning against a pureblood is close to nothing. However there was one-thing that Senri could not help but feel and that was his increased hatred Pureblood prince. Those cursed species who did everything to benefit themselves. A pureblood took away mother's love from him and now another is taking away Ai-chan from him.

Aiyora on the hand was handled in a different manner.

Like always she has been kept in the dark. Just the way she was not told about her engagement to Senri, the same way she wasn't told about this alteration in her fiancé either. It's like she's been sold in the market like some sort of expensive item that only the rich pockets could afford.

So when it came to Aiyora the maids always made sure to have a logical excuse to explain why Senri is not with her like the way he used to.

Excuses mentioned often were

'He went to bed early'
'He is having special training session with Shiki-sama'
or 'he is spending time with his mother'
etc.

Aiyora fell for those first until she came to realize how rarely she saw Senri. That too only happened when they were surrounded by many people. Soon it became quite evident to her that she and Senri were kept apart. It enraged her and planned to get to the bottom of this. After all nobody should dare part Senri and her!

"Aiyora-sama please concentrate," her tutor Mari warned after taking a notice of how Aiyora had been biting the back of her pencil for a long time with her eyes roaming all around. She barely wrote a word of her essay.

"Just so you know, I won't allow you to leave unless you finish the essay." The tutor said strictly.

"Mari-san…where is Senri-chan?"

A simple question it was, yet answering is was no easy task.

"Like I said earlier he is with his personal tutor studying."

"Why isn't he studying with me?" A demand that could no longer be fulfilled!

'…Because he is no longer allowed to be near you.' Was what Mari wanted to say, however this was what she actually said.

"Aiyora-sama please try to understand now that you both are growing up your lesson and training will differ from the ones he requires."

"Why?" Aiyora charged blinking her large eyes several times.

"Because you're pureblood. You hold a position in our society that is a lot higher than him."

To that statement Aiyora [raa5] commented in the most outrageous way.

"In that case I don't want to be a pureblood. I want to be in the same level as my Senri-chan."

"Aiyora-sama…" Mari was nearing her edge. "It is not something that we can control. It is how we are born."

"Then can we make Sneri a pureblood?" Aiyora suggested the absurd idea. It made her tutor roll her eyes.

"Tell me Aiyora-sama did you not pay a single attention when I was teaching you on the hierarchy of vampires?" She tried to divert the young pureblood's mind with guilt.

"If this is how it continues you will learn nothing. You will stay far behind while others would race ahead of you!"

The scolding quieted down the demanding child but for her tutor Mari that happiness did not last long.

"I promise I will pay full attention only if you let me study with Senri-chan."

Mari rolled her eyes and let out a frustrated sigh. The girl was so impossible. On top of that it was so hard to deny the request that came from such an adorable face, with those large puppy eyes pleading her desperately. But Mari also knew quite well if she defies council's order the consequences will be severe.

"Please Aiyora-sama!" she said firmly, or at the very least tried.

"I just want to study with Senri-chan!" Aiyora cut in.

"If you finish your essay then I will let you go early so that you can play with Senri-chan." She made a promise that she knew she would have to break.

The pureblood's blue eyes turned wide for a fraction of time. A wide grin then spread across her face showing her happiness. She dived down to finish her writing and completed it in a short span of time. To Mari's surprise there was barely any mistake in there. She really did stick to her words, she really did concentrate. But the tragedy was that Mari was in no position to fulfill her portion of promise.

"Now can I go play with Senri-chan?"

"Oh I forgot it's your meal time already." She tried to divert the topic. "Are you not hungry Aiyora-sama?"

"I will eat with Senri-chan!" Aiyora suggested.

"I'm afraid he already had his meal. That was what I have been told."

Aiyora said nothing just quieted down. She figured out the woman's game and understood that she just got played for nothing. It was all a lie.

The sight of her smile curving down to a frown broke Mari's heart but she was in no position to change that.

Aiyora barely ate anything that night. Once done with her meal Aiyora was given the excuse that Senri already went to bed because he would have to wake up early for his training.

Couple more days went on just like that…with full of bullshit excuses.

Until…

That afternoon Aiyora was taking her piano lesson.

"Well done Aiyora-sama!"

Mari clapped and encouraged her to play another piece when she was done with the first one.

"Can I go play with Sneri-chan now?" Aiyora asked in an exhausted voice. By now she was actually tired of asking the same thing over and over again with no possible outcome.

"Play another piece, how about that one," Mari pointed towards a particular one. "…I taught you during our last session! I hope you remember well."

"Can Senri at least be here while I play? I want him to listen to me play the next song. I promise I will also play the violin after that too." Aiyora was sure she made a generous enough offer.

"Aiyora-sama please try to understand Senri-sama's presence can be distracting to your lesson."

"ENOUGH!"

The pureblood let out a frustrated and angry scream! She had enough of this non-sense. By this time it became way more obvious that she was being kept apart from him. All these people were only fooling around with her, trolling with her emotion.

"WHY?" she screamed, something that was very unusual from her.

"I don't understand! Why are you all doing this? Why is everyone doing this? What have we done wrong? Why can't we see each other like we used to? Why can't we play together anymore?"

Aiyora broke down into bitter sobs. Her teacher wanted to comfort her but pulled herself back knowing there is nothing that could be done.

Aiyora jumped down from the stool she was sitting upon and in few long strides she went for the violin that was sitting up on its designated counter. She picked up the violin and smashed it onto the floor breaking it into tiny little pieces that flew all across the room. Her immense anger also brought other effect. There was a loud noise of crack. Mari turned her head towards the window to find glass having couple deep of cracks.

"Aiyora-sama!" Mari gasped at this unfamiliar reaction. She felt freighted by the pureblood for the first time. Aiyora was usually the obedient child. This is the first time she reacted so violently.

"Aiyora-sama please wait!" it was another maid's voice who ran in to calm down the enraged pureblood.

It brought Mari back to her senses only to realize that the pureblood has already ran out and the maid was trying to chase her down.

Both the ladies ran after Aiyora. It was not hard to locate her at all. Just like they predicted her smell was coming from the Senri's room. As per their instruction they wasted no time in hesitation to barge in. But what they did not have in mind was the scene that they were about to witness.

Upon bursting the door open both women became startled.

Before them were Aiyora and Senri…locked in a tight embrace, an embrace full of love and devotion! Their respective arms held onto the other one like their life depended on it. If one was to let lose the other would vanish.

The scene appeared so pure that neither one of the maids that barged in, had the ability to pull them apart. Pulling them apart in that moment would probably had been not only unjust, but also a sin...

A sin that neither one of them wanted to commit.


Senri was actually on his way to his room. Retiring early that morning. His lesson and studies were finished for the day.

While passing by his grand-uncle's office Senri's footsteps came to a sudden halt, when his keen hearing senses picked up two voices conversing-no not conversing, they sounded more like...Negotiating! It was not in his nature to pry on others but whispers of Aiyora's name again and again made him curious.

"I apologize for the humiliation you faced at the council meeting the other day. I never intended for it to turn out that way."

Senri was not sure about the first voice but assumed it to be his cousin Kaname since the word 'Kuran-sama' was mentioned earlier.

"Please Kuran-sama, I beg of you not to sprinkle salt for all you know my wounds are still fresh."

That was his grand-uncle,

Why are they talking about Aiyora?

There was a small crack on the door and Senri peeked through that crack to find his grand-uncle was standing before a figure that sitting on the large single sitter.

"Before you get further confused by my intention please allow me to clarify, I have no desire for Aiyora..."

Senri's usually bored grayish-blue eyes momentarily narrowed down. He pressed a finger inside his ear just to make sure if he was hearing correctly. It made no sense, wasn't this man supposed to be Aiyora's future husband? Now he says he does not want her? What kind of jerk is he?

"I'm afraid I not understand what you mean Kaname-sama?"

Neither did Senri.

"What is there not to understand?...Like I said I'm not taking Aiyora forever. I do not need her for eternity. I'm only here to temporarily borrow her…"

' Temporarily borrow her?' What does that even mean? Senri could only wonder.

"...and I give you my word that very soon this contract would be terminated and Aiyora in turn would be once more engaged to your grand-nephew Senri."

"But Kaname-sama?-"

"I assure you Shiki-dono that I will sign that engagement contract myself. I shall complete what my late parents left incomplete."

Firstly he got himself engaged to Aiyora but will soon break it off? …But why?

Neither his cousin's words nor his agenda seemed to make any sense to Senri. However that doesn't mean that he couldn't detect the predator in the Kuran pureblood. That much he definitely did.

I have to protect her!

The deep desire to protect his precious little sister pulsated through him. Although the burgundy haired boy was aware that he had no power to stop the engagement, nor will he have the power to prevent Kaname Kuran when he calls off the engagement in the future and break Aiyora's heart. But surely he can lessen Aiyora's pain by staying by her side.

Wait...what if he able to stop Aiyora from falling in love with her knew fiancé? What happens then? Will her heart ache less then?

Maybe…Most likely…

Conclusion came down to him like rapid fire.

…Yes this is exactly what he will do; he will not allow Aiyora to fall in love with Kaname Kuran. He Shiki Senri wouldn't allow the history to repeat itself once more. He couldn't save his mother from a predatory pureblood but he won't fail now. Not when it involves his little Ai-chan...


a.n. Thank you for reading hope you enjoyed. Also wanted to point out if you noticed that the incident at that happened at the Kiryu house has been mentioned couple times. It means we are around the timeline when Zero is taken the Cross house.


[raa1]

[raa2]

[raa3]