Chapter 44

A young Aiyora of barely two was seated on her father's lap. Her attention was on the doll she was playing with, while her father had his mismatched orbs glued to her. As he watched her with great interest.

"What is your doll's name?"

"Reedoo."

Kuran Rido smiled. His daughter named her doll after him. A part of him felt honoured. Just like how she was his doll, he was also her.

Unlooked for, he had the urge to give her a kiss. And Rido wasn't someone who restrained himself from an urge.

So he gave in...

It was an innocent kiss, on one of her round chubby cheeks. The softness of her skin made his lips bounce. And he got the urge to give her another kiss... then another... then another... another... another... and another...

Before he knew, he passed dozens of kisses and was now nuzzling her ear, while gently kissing and nipping it. The sensation of his touch tickled her and the toddler started to giggle.

"There was a time I used to believe only purpose of my life is to obtain Juuri. But now that I have you... I don't need that hag."

"Juuri..." the name slipped little Aiyora's mouth as she tried to taste the sound of that name.

"Call her a hag for all I care." Rido said, taking delight at the sound of her innocent childish voice.

"Hag! Hag! Hag!" Aiyora cheered on, with no knowledge of what it meant or whom it was being referred to.

xXxXx

Little Aiyora was laying on the vast four poster king size bed, suckling two fingers (middle and the ring finger)of her right hand. Her left hand on the other side was playing with her father's hair, those small fingers were gently tugging the curls at the end of his tresses.

Rido let out a shuddering sigh before he proceeded to ask the child. "You really like to suck your fingers, don't you Aiyora?"

The girl didn't have the ability to answer that question. She was still too young to understand the meaning behind it.

"Seems like you also like to play with my hair."He mused. "Good... I like that. I like it when you touch me. It brings peace within my disturbed soul."

Then he forcefully grabbed hold of her small hand and brought it to his lips only to press a hard kiss and the back of it. Automatically, his little daughter started to play with his nose.

"Yes, yes, keep touching me Aiyora..."

He put one of her finger into his mouth and tried to suck. But it wasn't enough. It was too small. So he put her entire palm inside his mouth and gave one hard suckle before taking it out and cutting it in the process. However, that matter was also taken care of in a second. Aiyora didn't even get the chance to feel the pain. As her father greedily lapped up the small bead of blood and healed the wound he accidentally caused.

"...Not feeling these ticklish touches of yours put my body on fire, that burn my skin, flesh and bones to ashes."

Kuran Kaname shot his eyes open and exhaled a deep, exhausted, shaky breath. It's not like the brunette was unfamiliar with the concept of nightmare. But this was different. These are Aiyora's memories from the times she has spent with her father. Fortunately, she doesn't remember any of these as Haruka sealed off this timeline from her mind. Kaname had to use a special technique to pull out these memories carefully without unlocking them.

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He stepped out of a freezing cold shower. Yet his head continued spin. His mind still plagued with the dream that awakened him drenched in sweat.

Kaname stepped out of the bathroom once clothed and with a small towel over his head. He headed over to his office. His focus now settled on the chessboard that had only one piece— the black king, standing tall and proud at the centre.

He finally learned the real depth of danger of what is yet to come. Now he regrets not paying full attention to her mother when she brought Aiyora to Haruka and Juuri.

For the longest time all Kaname thought about and planned for was how to save Yuuki. In order keep Yuuki protected from Rido he was proceeding with two plans:

First— have his knight, Kiryu Zero take down the black king.

Second and perhaps the most important and to some extent easiest plan— use his king's daughter; who ironically represents white the queen.

But now it appears as though Rido doesn't care about anything as long as he gets his hand on his daughter. Which raises the question,

How can Aiyora be saved?

It was almost the eleventh hour and he's yet to come up with a concrete plan.


This cannot be good!

Senri wasn't sure what it was but he didn't have a good feeling. The dorm president asking for an audience with him...? This early in the morning, inside the forrest, far away from the moon dormitory.

But the Shiki heir was not going to cower. He decided this long ago, no matter who or how powerful the enemy is, he will face them bravely.

Senri found his cousin standing by the lake.

"I was told you summoned me?"

"Yes, I did..." Kaname replied looking over his shoulders for a second then faced the lake once more. "After all I owe you an explanation..."

"Not really." Came the Shiki heir's aloof response. "It was quite clear that Ai-chan willingly fed you her blood. You don't need to explain yourself for drinking it."

"As a matter of fact I do. And I'm not doing this to clear out my name nor am I doing it out of pity for you. I'm doing this for her, so that you understand her reasoning... something which she might never be able to express."

Senri crunched his brow while Kaname continued...

"It's a critical time. Speaking a word about it to anyone would not be the wisest move. Which was why Aiyora kept her lips sealed. Even from you."

"If she thought it was best to hide it from me, then why are you telling me?" Senri asked, concerned. "You're not double crossing her, are you?"

Kaname chuckled. "I'm way beyond that phase of my life Shiki. Know this much, a misunderstanding between Aiyora and yourself is something I'm trying to avoid. Especially at a time like this."

"Alright, let's hear, what is it so important?" Senri said rolling his eyes. However, he was not at all prepared for what he was about to learn.

"I was the one... who killed Hio Shizuka."

Everything around the Shiki heir came to an abrupt stop. For a second there the young aristocrat thought he would have a heart attack.

"And Ai-chan knows this?" Somehow he managed the courage to ask.

"She's the only relevant witness."

This time Kaname fully turned around and

got into details. He explained everything to Senri starting from Shizuka's reasons for showing up at the academy to befriending Aiyora and trying to coax Yuuki into killing Aiyora. He also revealed that the report of Shizuka's murder was submitted naming Zero as the prime suspect however Ichio secretly reached out to Aiyora suspecting foul play... And eventually explained how and why Aiyora chose to feed him her blood.

"You're saying her blood was only the solution?"

"Forcefully devouring a pureblood comes with a cost and my body was paying for it deeply. To be completely honest with you, my body would have adjusted itself to those new powers in a matter of few days. However, with the Council on my back, time was one thing I did not have in hand. So what she did, it truly helped me. It quenched my thirst... calmed me down... and brought back the balance I was starting to lose. Which is why I sincerely hope you do not misunderstand her."

"I respect your honesty and choice to open up to me. However I would ask you to stay out of mine and Ai-chan's private affairs and also request you not to tell me how I deal with her. Let me deal with her on my own way. We have a different dynamic, which you will never understand."

Senri's words brought a pang of jealousy into his heart but Kaname managed to masked them well and hide them with an unreadable smile.

"Alright then, you do what you think is best. I will steer clear of off your personal space."


Couple Days Later:

It was another day in Cross Academy with its usual routine. Except for now, Yuuki was having even harder time during the switchover. With Zero's absence it was impossible to hold back those mob of fangirls. They've gotten wilder and crazier.

"Hey! Don't push. It's already past curfew for the day class students!" Yuuki screamed stretching her arms out to prevent the day class girls from coming any further.

But it was not that easy.

"MOVE IT DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE!" the girl with blue eyes and blonde hair spat at Yuuki.

"Shiki-senpai please come out." Cried the short dark haired one beside, like she was calling out for her lover to come rescue her.

Yuuki turned her back towards them and sighed. At this point she was close to giving up.

It's impossible for me to control them by myself.

Just as her thought concluded the gate opened revealing the night class students standing proud and tall on the other side.

Hanabusa was the first to step out with his signature flirty statement. "Good evening ladies! Did any of you dream about me last night?"

"I DID!"

His fans cried and screamed in delight while Yuuki continued to glare at the vampire in disdain. He alone was responsible for turning these girls from bad to worse.

"Wonderful! So then... tonight I shall make a little detour and invade Cross Yuuki's dream." He dramatically pointed his finger towards her declaring "You're next!"

And that caused his fans the heartbreak and rage. Some even started to protest demanding 'Why her? Not fair!' 'Why was it always miss prefect?'

Yuuki tried to protest but before she could even utter a word, a group of furious girls pushed her in their attempt to get close to their Idol-senpai. Like always Yuuki was about to fall but fortunately a hand caught her on time.

Getting up quickly Yuuki ran back to her spot and apologized for the inconvenience caused the night class president because of her lousiness.

"I'm so sorry Kaname-senpai-" Only to realize her saviour was someone else. Now that explains why the over hyper mob has suddenly turned pale.

"What do you think you're doing, Yuuki?" The silver haired boy asked calmly getting up on his feet.

"Oh no, Kiryu-kun is back." Exclaimed someone from the crowd.

"It was so peaceful when he was away." Added another.

Yuuki froze. Frankly she was overwhelmed. There were so many things she wanted to ask him like... How is your wound? ...All that time I didn't see you, what was going on? ...And have you found a way to satisfy your thirst for blood?

"Alright enough! Now get back to your dorms." Just that one tough look and warning from Zero sent everyone running back to their dorms.

So many things she wanted to ask that the words were almost spilling out of her mouth. But all Yuuki could say in that moment was...

The petite brunette turned and watched her partner's back as he was sending those raging girls back to their dorm.

"Zero...welcome back!" She warmly wished.

"Thank you!" He turned and froze meeting the eyes of Kuran Kaname, his latest blood donor.


"What's with this invade your dreams? Ridiculous!" Ruka asked flipping her hair back haughtily. She honestly didn't understand what her cousin gained being so silly with the day class girls.

Hanabusa brushed off her supposedly offensive comment with one of his own.

"Well if you appeared it would be a nightmare."

"What was that?!" Offended Ruka turned and blocked Hanabusa's path.

While others like Takuma, Senri, Rima and others continued on their way. Akatsuki paused.

"You know, I admire this trait of yours Hanabusa." The Kain heir threw in the comment.

"And what does that mean?"

"You always know how to play your part perfectly. And I'm sure that's no easy tasks."

Hanabusa inaudibly gasped after catching the reference.

"After all there are some amongst us who prefer to hide."

Senri stiffed hearing that. It was clear the Kain heir was referring to Aiyora. After all she hasn't shown her face since her blood-donation day.


Yuuki was on the balcony, helplessly watching the moon. Her mind occupied with Zero's thought. Everything that was left unsaid kept circulating inside.

In order to stop his lapse into level-E, Zero had to drink that woman's blood, the one who forced him into this cruel fate. When she was here at the academy.

I doubt that Zero was able to drink her blood. If so... I wonder how much time he has left? If drinking my blood could delay his degeneration, even for a short time, I'll let him have as much of my blood as he wants.

"Why do you insist to on doing this? You don't need to care so much?"

Zero words rang into her mind.

Followed by came...

"I only wanted to protect you..."

Yuuki's heart throbbed rapidly as she recalled the moment she shared with Kaname on the night of the ball. She turned towards the window of the room where the night class was in session and found her object of desire, with his back against the window, ready a book.

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Please don't tell me that in the end I can't do anything without Zero and Kaname protecting me.

Yuuki was walking through the hallway on the main floor in absent mind when she suddenly noticed Zero ahead of her. And she decided to approach him. Somebody had to break the ice. So why not her?

She ran towards him in hurried footsteps and gave a hard slap on his back.

"Zeeeeroh!"

In hopes that acting normal would ease the tension between.

"I had to work really hard the past week that you weren't here. Tonight you better work twice as hard."

"What's with you? You can be so—" Zero was about to curse but got cut off when he saw what she was doing.

She removed the hair from her shoulder and revealed her neck.

"Come on now... aren't you craving it?" She offered. "I'm sure you couldn't have any while you were in the medical clinic, right?"

The pair of lavender orbs shined with an unexplainable emotion. It was an emotion so complex that it went beyond Yuuki's capacity to understand.

"So tonight, you can have extra!" She chirped happily, like it was no big deal.

"Quit joking around." He told her and walked away. Because the feelings from his side weren't the same. It only brought him guilt and made him feel like more of a monster than he already was.

"Zero... Zero!"

Yuuki ran after and once caught up, grabbed him by the arm.

"I'm sorry listen... I already told you before that I am on your side. I may not be much help. Actually I'm pretty useless and I really hate that about myself..."

Tears that gathered around her eyes threatened to fall.

"I wanted you to drink her blood so badly that I would have forced you to drink it. As it was the only way to save you... but all I did was cause you more suffering... I'm so sorry, so sorry Zero."

Her emotional state confused the silver haired boy, to the point he couldn't help but ask.

"Just what am I to you, Yuuki?"

"Huh?" She couldn't answer. Because she didn't know.

"So please stop. No more reckless acts on my behalf okay..?" He closed the gap between them and wiped away the tears from her eyes.

"Tell me, am I that hopeless?"

Yuuki was about to reply but another voice cut in.

"Oh this is serious! Serious news."

Both looked and saw the headmaster running towards them.

"What is it headmaster?"

"Kurenai Maria has woken up!"

Then without wasting another moment the three of them went to pay her a visit.


Meanwhile Aiyora was at the old teacher's dorm, where Maria was resting. She's been by the aristocrat's side for the past couple of days. This way she could look after the person she has come to consider her friend and also it provided her the chance to stay away from the crowd of the moon dormitory.

Things haven't been great for the young Kuran lately. She may have survived the impact of Kaname's second bite. But her dignity sure didn't. The plan was for only Ruka to watch. Turned out, along with her Takuma, Akatsuki and worst of all Senri also watched. Which resulted in Aiyora to hide from most, especially Senri.

"Here, try this Aiyora-sama." Maria offered her a slice of cake.

"Thanks Maria-chan, I'm not hungry. And why are you giving me your food. You're the one who's sick and needs to eat more. Not me!"

"The headmaster has given so much food. I'm sure it was for the both of us. Besides I'm full. My stomach will burst if I eat anymore. Also... Ichiru used to tell me it's not good to skip a meal, it weakens immunity. Speaking of, is he truly gone like the headmaster said."

"Nobody has seen him since the night of the ball. We're assuming he fled."

"But Ichiru would never do that! He's very brave."

"Oh yeah! Then where is he?" Aiyora crossed her hands across her chest.

"He's coming!"

"What?!" Aiyora shot the lilac haired girl a 'are you crazy' look. "Did you lose your sense by any chance? Because you're clearly smelling it wrong—"

The door burst open before she could and even finish. At the first sight of Zero Maria got excited. She jumped off the bed and ran to him screaming;

"Ichiru!" Even Zero was taken aback when she threw her arms around him and pulled him in for a tight embrace.

"You and Aiyora-sama lied Headmaster. He's still here!"

Behind her Aiyora facepalmed.

"Well..." the headmaster wasn't sure what to say so Aiyora took it from there.

"Maria-chan use your sense." But Maria didn't actually listen to her.

"Ichiru this man is so cruel. He said that Shizuka-sama is—" then she suddenly realized. The person she was clinging onto desperately wasn't Ichiru, it was his twin.

"Are you really Ze-Zero?"

Her body couldn't process the shock and lost all the energy making her collapse. Only to be caught by Aiyora on time.

"I see... so Shizuka-sama actually met you. She must... she must really be dead."

Aiyora led the lavender haired girl to bed. She herself sat down by Maria's side and held her in protective hold while Zero and the headmaster questioned her.

Maria had nothing to hide, so she answered everything truthfully.

"At Shizuka-sama's request I lent her my body from time to time. In exchange she promised to restore my health. But we are blood relatives, so I didn't desire any kind of payment."

Then she moved to give details on the deceased pureblood's life.

"...Shortly after she was born, Shizuka-sama was put into isolation. The council said it was to protect her, but no one ever loved or even cared for her. The one she loved was the first person ever to show her any form of affection. After losing him, she lost herself to sadness and anger. That caused her to go insane. Zero..." she suddenly got up and ran to the mentioned male.

"Zero... even if you killed her, I don't think she hated you for it."

"Alright come down Maria-san. You have just woken up, I'm sure you don't want a relapse." Headmaster tired to tenderly pull her back before Zero lost his composure and did something regretful.

Aiyora on the other hand shifted her focus on Yuuki, whose facial expression changed the moment Maria mentioned Zero killing the pureblood.

"No Maria's that isn't—"

"It's okay Yuuki." The headmaster stopped her. "We must let her rest for now. And Aiyora-chan..." He then turned to the pureblood and said the rest. "Kaname-kun has already informed her family, they will be here soon. Until then, you can stay with her. But afterwards you are to return to your dorm."

"Understood headmaster."

"Alright then, let's go Yuuki, Zero."

Yuuki and the headmaster were the first to exit and Zero was trailing behind when Maria stopped him.

"Wait... Zero there is something I must tell you, the truth."

"What?" He stopped but didn't look back.

"You see, that night the Kiryus were used as pawns when they hunted Shizuka-sama's lover. There was a mastermind behind, pulling all the strings."

Zero turned back, his face filled with shock. Aiyora too squeezed her brows, as this information was new to her as well.

"Someone who was not pleased with Shizuka-sama, a pureblood, for having a lover who happened to be a former human..."

Who could this mastermind be? My father? But wasn't he too busy obsessing over his sister?

Questions such a these were running through Aiyora's mind.

"Shizuka-sama discovered who the real culprit was, so she tried to gain more powers in order to bring him down. Whoever did this to her is the real enemy. The enemy of the purebloods and your true enemy."

These information didn't settle well with Zero. The moment he grasped his own head Aiyora understood the situation was getting out of hand.

"Maria-chan enough talking for now. It's time for you to rest. Don't over exhaust yourself. And Kiryu-san, I think it's best if you leave."


"Even better."

The female Kuran muttered to herself as she watched from the window Kaname, Takuma and Akatsuki climbing into the limousine. A sigh of relief left her lips when the vehicle drove off. Not too long before, Senri and Rima were also picked up the agency.

Aiyora had to return to the dorm after Maria was sent home. Ever since the young Kuran has kept a very low profile and pretty much kept herself confined in her room. As she wasn't mentally prepared to face a certain individual. But now... with no Kaname, Takuma, Akatsuki and Senri around, finally she can leave her room.

The pureblood didn't even waste a breath. She existed her room immediately and found Hanabusa, who for some reason appeared to be running away from the moon.

"Aidou-Kun? Where are you going?"

"Aiyora-sama!" Right away the blonde shot up his hands up like he was surrendering. "It's not what it looks like, I'm not going to the sun dorm to see Zero." And closed his mouth realizing he just blurted out the plan.

But Aiyora was in no position to judge.

"Doesn't matter where you're headed, I'm tagging along." She declared firmly closing all room for arguments and linked her arm with his.

The two ended up at grounds of the sun dormitory. As it was Saturday, there was barely anyone around to notice the two night class student loitering around but that was until a girl with pigtails lecturing Yuuki noticed them.

"Aidou-senpai! Aiyora-chan! What are you both doing here?" The prefect rushed over to them.

"Yikes!"

"I just followed Aidou-kun!" Aiyora simply pointed her finger at the blonde.

"Audio-senpai just so you know this is the boys dorm. Why are you trying to sneak in here, what do you want?" Yuuki whispered, so that the person nearing them cannot hear.

"I don't care what it looks like! I'm not here to see Kiryu or anything... ugh! Huh?!" Once again the truth slipped out of his mouth.

Yuuki looked at him confused while Aiyora tapped her foot impatiently. And the other girl just cut in to have a little chat with the blonde male. She introduced herself as the girls dormitory president and inquired what they were doing here. Hanabusa flirtatiously told her that he ran away from his dorm and would appreciate greatly if she kept the matter a secret. Girl assured him but told him the disciplinary committee might not feel the same way before leaving. Just after she was gone the door which the vampires were previously trying to open, opened up to reveal a grumpy looking Zero.

"Aidou, Kuran incase the two of you have forgotten the night class isn't allowed to enter the grounds of the sun dormitory."

"He's right! So please go back to your dorm." Yuuki joined Zero and pleaded the vampires to leave.

"Today I'm following his lead." Aiyora declared.

"But I don't wanna be there." Hanabusa responded cockily. "So I absolutely refuse to go back!"

"Go get a rope Yuuki," Zero sighed. "We'll drag these two back!"

"Not so fast!" Hanabusa was already running, dragging Aiyora along with an angry Zero chasing after them.

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Inside the headmaster's guest house:

Zero was on the ground, on his knees... panting. The two vampires were seated on the velvety green couch and Yuuki was standing at the centre of the room.

"Stop playing your stupid games!" Said Zero, still breathing deeply.

"You know all these could have been avoided if you would have helped me out from the start." Hanabusa retorted.

"Alright then, I hope the headmaster's guest house will be okay with you guys." Yuuki jumped in acting as the mediator. "So... what made you guys runaway from the moon dorm."

Aiyora answered this question. "I'm not quite sure about his reason. But I got caught up in scandal after feeding someone my blood."

"Oh, does Kaname-senpai know? Has he scolded you?"

Aiyora stiffed as that question hit a sour spot. Even though Yuuki's question was innocent and harmless. However Aiyora didn't have the face to answer that. So she looked away.

Yuuki kept gazing at the female vampire expecting an answer, but Zero picked up on the rising tension in the air.

"You know... I'm hungry." Hanabusa jumped in to rescue the pureblood who was drowning in embarrassment. His statement lightened the mood and sent Yuuki to take refuge behind the door.

"Oh come on! What are you afraid off? Just cook me something. Actually anything will be fine."

Zero slowly rose to his feet after coming to an understanding that these leeches weren't going anywhere unless their demands were met. But little did he know the list was only getting started.

"Oh just so you know we will need to separate room. The larger room for Aiyora-sama, the second largest for me. I also need soft bed, the linens must be lavender scented..." he kept on going. Deliberately getting into the hunters nerves.

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Yuuki was shocked.

They ate all the food. Well more like Hanabusa ate all the food, including her and Zero's portion. On the other hand Aiyora simple wasted whatever was on her plate. She didn't eat anything, just smashed them with the spoon.

"Just so you know the food was alright. I was able to eat it. But it wasn't enough." Hanabusa said dabbing his face with a napkin.

"You're quite picky for a runaway!" Yuuki muttered bitterly.

"Is there a problem?"

"Yes, but don't worry about it, I'll just make sure to complain to Kaname-senpai later. But don't worry Aiyora-chan you're good."

Hanabusa became quiet and Aiyora ended up twisting the spoon in her hand. Yuuki got worried at the sudden change of their mood and quickly rushed to the kitchen to see if Zero could make some more.

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"What?! I cooked for four of us. They finished them all."

"He did. And she didn't even taste them, instead smashed them on the plate. They both look a little depressed though."

"Could they be stressed out...? Neither of them seem like the sensitive type..." Zero generally inquired taking out a case of tablet from his pocket and threw it at her. "Go give them this for now. I'll cook more in the meantime."

Yuuki caught the case right away and looked at Zero sadly as her mind automatically reverted back to the time when his body was rejecting them.

There was a sudden unnatural silent moment.

"Don't worry... I don't mind cooking. If you want something particular tell me."

"Some salted ramen I guess."

I can only assume that his uncertainty and loneliness has to be growing. So Zero... what is it that you're thinking about?

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Yuuki returned to the dining room in a depressed mood. When Hanabusa demanded for more food it ticked off her patience to the edge.

"There's more coming!" She slammed her hands on the table and gave them the case of blood tablet. "Zero said to give you this for now."

"These belong to him doesn't it?"

Yuuki freaked out at the question. "N-no you're wrong!"

"Oh come don't panic. After all I am a genius. It's obvious I figured it out." The aristocrat continued to brag while the pureblood beside him rolled her eyes. "Besides Zero know that I know. Although he doesn't mention it, Kaname-sama is aware about it as well."

Aiyora butted in, she had enough of this foolishness. "Stop overreacting! Both of you. Everyone knows about him. The whole moon dorm is aware of his situation. I was his coming out of the closet bite. Plus his family's massacre was one of the highly talked about topic that time. So let's not pretend otherwise. It will serve no benefit."

"But—" Yuuki tried to protest.

"There is no but. His fate is sealed period. The sooner it will be accepted the better it is."

"It makes sense. But one thing that always confused me was that why Kaname-sama agreed to let him stay in the day class? Sometimes I really don't understand what he is thinking or planning." Hanabusa said solemnly and finally asked out loud, the question that has always been in his mind.

"I have never understood why he gave an ordinary girl like you special treatment. Even his relationship with Aiyora-sama wasn't the best up until recently. It was all done for you, but why? ... It makes no sense."

"He doesn't give me special treatment." Yuuki said sharply.

Aiyora raised a brow at that statement. A part of her was itching to spit out a fitting reply but the rational part of her brain so no point. Luckily Hanabusa responded on her behalf.

"If you've really meant what you just said, I would have killed you." The threat in his voice was real and sent a chill down the human's spine.

Yuuki gave him a little background of her earliest memories of the snowy night, where one vampire tried to devour her and other saved her and how she grew to admire the kind vampire.

"... I adore the kind vampire. Kaname-sama, I owe my life to him. But I think our relationship is a simple one. Not a special one like you all think."

"You speak like that because you don't know him, Yuuki-senpai." Aiyora said.

"Simple huh? So do you trust him no matter what happens?" Hanabusa asked.

Yuuki scratched her head, "It's true I have my doubts sometimes. But in the end I really do trust him. ...Even if he betrays me, I'd be okay with it."

"Perfect! That actually solves pretty much all my problems." Aiyora remarked sarcastically. Earning a confused look from Yuuki and Hanabusa.

All this time Zero was outside the door listening in to their conversation. Yuuki being the human didn't sense him. Hanabusa's mind was elsewhere and Aiyora, even though she sensed him from the beginning but acted oblivious because she wanted him to hear Yuuki's views on Kuran Kaname.

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The sound of plate shattering and the smell of blood that followed got both vampires alerted.

Aidou just finished bathing but was still in the bathroom and Aiyora was lounging in the living room. Rather than waiting for Aidou to come out she decided to check the matter herself.

She stood quietly outside the kitchen door and peeked in.

Yuuki had cut herself while picking out the broken pieces of the plate. Instead of wasting that blood by washing away she offered it to Zero to lick it off. He hesitated of course but his control wasn't long lasting. And how could it, when Yuuki was so insisting?

"No don't resist it! I know how much you hunger for this. It's okay..."

"Yuuki..."

However his resistance actually earned him a bit of Aiyora's respect. As she understood this was Zero's way of assuring Yuuki that he was still there. Even if he wasn't sure at the moment about what he actually is.

Out of the blue a hand came from behind and grabbed Aiyora by the arm then forcefully dragged her away from there.

"WHAT THE HELL!" Hanabusa yelled. "You didn't need to see that! It's such an intimate act. Give them some privacy."

Aiyora was about to retort but as she registered the words 'intimate act' her eyes turned wide. He was right drinking blood was a very intimate act for vampires.

...And she committed this act with someone else, not her Ri-chan.

Once again guilt consumed her heart.


The following afternoon in the classroom right before the teacher walked Kaname made an odd request.

"Listen everyone... will you all do me a favour...?"

The whole class turned to their leader and listened.

"With pleasure Kaname-sama." Everyone placed a hand over their chest and agreed in union, including Aiyora's friends.

However Kaname's inner circle appeared unsure and uncertain about this. Same was the case with Aiyora, who just returned to class after days of continuous absence. She even glared down the girl that was closest to her. Of course it didn't work. After all she wasn't the alpha that led this pack.

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Just after nightfall the presence of unfamiliar vampires engulfed the grounds of the academy. The night class accompanied Kaname to the scene just like they promised. Senri was among Kaname's crowd, whereas Aiyora's remained with her own. (The two haven't actually spoken since that morning.)Upon reaching they witnessed the disciplinary committee surrounded by few employees of the council. One member was already gunned down by Zero.

Using his power Kaname killed off another one of the senate employee.

"It was inevitable for Hio Shizuka to be hunted down by Kiryu Zero for what she did." Kaname spoke loud and clear.

Simultaneously, Yuuki and Aiyora looked at him. Yuuki found herself in state of shock. She couldn't believe how simply Kaname put the blame on Zero. It didn't sit well with her.

"Kuran-sama, Aiyora-sama." The council men placed a hand over their chest and got down on a knee to acknowledge the Kuran prince and princess.

"Tell me, why do you all feel so strongly about Zero's execution to protect the so called sanctity of the purebloods?" Kaname asked them.

And their leader responded. "Kuran-sama, if a pureblood such as yourself interferes, we cannot complete our mission."

From the corner of her Aiyora looked at Hanabusa and found a look of regret on his face. He kept his face down and was unable to look at anyone in the eye. The younger Kuran understood what he was going through as she was also floating on the same boat.

"Perhaps you don't realize this academy is very dear to me. I don't want it to be spoiled by foolish acts of vengeance... performed by the Senate's henchmen." Kaname eyes glowed red and the vampire's shoulder sliced. The man cried out in pain and fell back causing his companions to look at him worriedly.

"Leave now." Came the cold command.

"Your choice to protect Kiryu Zero shall be reported back to the council, Kuran-sama."

The henchmen of the council turned to black and red fumes which dissolved into the air soon as the left the academy.

Once they were fully gone Kaname approached the prefect and inquired.

"Are you both alright?"

Aiyora followed after him and noticed how tightly Yuuki was holding Zero.

"So why did you save me Kuran?"

"Because I will not tolerate the execution of a schoolmate by foolish members of my race for groundless reasons."

The response didn't satisfy Zero. He gave out a grunt and walked away from there. Yuuki cried out his name and was about to follow but changed her mind last minute. She turned back and bowed.

"Thank you!"

"It's fine." Kaname replied.

Aiyora raised an eyebrow as she detected some form of subtle sarcasm in Yuuki's tone.

"No, thank you." Yuuki said again. She then took a bold step towards the male Kuran and spoke firmly this time. "But still, there's absolutely no reason why Zero should be targeted for this."

"Yes I know that don't worry—" Kaname tried to assure but got cut off as she screamed.

"NO! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!"

"How dare you speak that way—" Ruka was about to protest but Takuma cut her off and sent the night class back to the dorm.

Kaname was about to reopen his mouth once the night class left but Aiyora stopped him with a raised hand. An action that catches both Yuuki and Takuma's attention.

"So just what is it that my brother does not understand?" Aiyora asked, her voice strangely calm.

Yuuki replied looking down. "...That Hio Shizuka was hunted by Zero. It wasn't him, he didn't have anything to do with it."

"And just how do you know that?" The female pureblood challenged, crossing her arms across her chest. Still calm. "I can guarantee you that my brother has no intention of turning that guy into a villain. Please believe that."

"Then tell him to say it!" Yuuki shifted her focus from Aiyora to Kaname. "Why don't you say it Kaname-senpai? I want you to say— you realize that Zero isn't the killer!"

No response came from Kaname. And Yuuki's frustrating increased when instead of saying something he looked at his sister, as if silently ask for the next instruction. But she paid him no heed.

"Why should he?" Finally the response came but not from the person Yuuki was expecting.

Yuuki tried to ignore Aiyora and focus on Kaname. Not understanding why has he suddenly turned so invisible. It's like he was trying to stay out of this as much as possible.

"Come on, say it Kaname-senpai! I'm serious." She pressed firmly.

Kaname remained silent. Takuma squeezed his brows and Aiyora chuckled.

"You're wasting your time Yuuki-sempai. Not a word is going to leave his mouth in Zero's defence."

"Kaname-senpai, I'm serious!"

"There used to be a time when Kaname onii-sama was very serious about you as well. However times have changed. Once again you've proven that you are an individual, who cannot be and should not taken seriously."

Takuma cast Kaname confused look. Not understanding why wasn't he meddling in and diffusing the situation. It was getting quite heated. If Aiyora ends up using her power result could be dangerous.

"Zero is not the guilty one!" Yuuki refused to backdown.

"Aiyora... Yuuki..." Kaname finally stepped in and placed a hand on Aiyora shoulder. "Please stop, this talk is going nowhere."

"I don't care if this talk is going nowhere!" Yuuki snapped.

"You stay out of this!" Aiyora also snapped, but at Kaname. And like a chicken he immediately backed out. Surprising both Takuma and Yuuki. Then she turned to Yuuki to finish the rest. "And you! Pathetic excuse for a human being— don't talk to my brother like that! Is that understood...?"

The expression on Yuuki's face was a massive understatement to describe surprise. She was baffled. After all this was her first time seeing this face of the female pureblood vampire. Before this all she saw was Kuran Aiyora's kind and concerned filled face.

"The other day you said so yourself that even if Kaname-senpai betrays you, you'd be okay with it. So why are you overreacting now?"

Yuuki clenched her jaws and fisted her hand. She didn't expect the pureblood to sink so low. As she said nothing her silence gave Aiyora the floor to go on.

"In any case... you want to prove Zero is innocent...? Then why don't you do this, go to the council and tell them you are the one responsible for Shizuka sama's murder and have them execute you instead. Viola! Kiryu-kun will be a free man and others will be free of their responsibilities of you. What do you say? Great plan huh?"

Yuuki didn't know how to respond to that. Plus she was smart enough to understand there was no point talking, Aiyora would not back down.

"Aiyora-chan." Takuma tried to intervene but Kaname signalled him to keep quiet.

For a moment Yuuki's eyes danced between Aiyora and Kaname. When she understood neither one of them would crack she threw in her last resort.

"Until you both say Zero is innocent, then... then I won't speak to either of you ever again!"

Yuuki waited a second to see their response and got one from Aiyora. She shot her an instant thumbs up.

"Sounds like a great plan I'm on it!"

The three vampires watched as Yuuki ran away frustrated. Soon after Aiyora left as well. Only then Takuma approached his friend.

"What was that Kaname?"

The pureblood shot his friend a 'what do you mean?' look.

"You should have stood your ground more neutrally and firmly as a big brother to both."

"What did I do wrong now?!" Kaname asked tiredly running a hand through his hair.

"You acted like Aiyora-chan's minion. And that's not right. I admit it wasn't also right of Yuuki-chan to demand so childishly. Both quarrelled like children, which is fine but you shouldn't have stood like a statue. I understand you're trying to prove yourself to Aiyora-chan but this way you will lead to an increasing gap between the two sisters. Once Yuuki-chan is turned back you will find yourself more into these awkward fights."

Kaname then turned to look at Takuma and in the next second there was hole in the tree behind him.

"Okay! Let's not discuss this now."


Later that night:

Aiyora was strolling around the garden of the moon dormitory. She needed this walk to calm down after that useless argument with Yuuki.

"You did it! It was you, who killed Shizuka... after I had already shot her."

Suddenly she heard Zero's voice, confronting someone. Even a dummy would be able to guess with whom he was speaking.

She followed the voice and found the two just outside the gate of the moon dormitory.

Shoot! She bit her nails. Zero figuring it out was something she had seen coming. He drank Kaname's blood after all.

But would Kaname onii-sama be that stupid to reveal something like that to Zero?

"...I've heard the flesh and blood of pureblood holds strong powers. So you took her powers didn't you?"

"You heard?!" Kaname chuckled. "You're speaking as if you have no idea. You know, you know first hand."

Why is the duffer admitting?!

"Oh just so you realize my blood won't save you forever, it's only temporary..." Kaname started to walk away with his final words being. "I pity you, Kiryu-kun."

"You and I are not done talking! I spoke to Maria. Who is this real enemy of the pureblood she told me about?"

"There's no need for you to know that." Kaname was already inside the grounds of the moon dormitory.

"You!" Before Zero could say more Kaname used his powers and shut the door on his face.

What does that mean? Aiyora placed a hand to calm down her heart which was all of the sudden drumming on inside her ribcage.


Aiyora finally returned to her room.

She slammed the door shut and leaned against it in relief— only to realize a moment later that she wasn't alone. Someone was already in there, waiting. And it was the very person she's been avoiding like plague.

"Ri-chan!" She awkwardly acknowledged, fidgeting with the hem of her uniform skirt. The mentioned male was sitting by the edge of her bed with a poky sticking out of the corner of his mouth.

"Hey!" He rose his hand up to show the envelope he was holding. "The agency sent this for you."

"And why did they give it to you?"

"They had been trying for sometime to get a hold of you, but you were MIA. No answering phones or responding to messages and mails. So they handed it to me."

"Alright, throw it over." She commanded.

"No! Come and get it." He retaliated, patting the empty space beside him on the bed.

With a sigh the pureblood gave up, knowing all too well she doesn't have a choice but to obey her half brother. Senri handed her the envelope after she sat down beside him.

"Open it." He told her.

"What is in it? Am I getting fired?" She asked impatiently ripping the white envelope.

"I'm sure agency wouldn't act so idiotically and sack their most selling face."

"Ri-chan with these people, you never kn— wait what?!" Aiyora exclaimed suddenly, which made Senri peek, to see what was in the letter.

"I've been offered a business deal. A well known perfume company wants to collaborate and have me make their next fragrance."

"That's nice." Senri said indifferently. His face lacked any form of excitement. This is considered normal when he is around others. But in Aiyora's presence things are always different.

"You don't look so excited."

"I am."

She pointed a finger at him. "This isn't your excited face."

He sighed, somewhat tiredly and somewhat irritated. "With everything that's been happening, this is the most I can master. Sorry, I cannot fake my emotions."

Aiyora's heart slowed. "You're upset about my actions... aren't you?" She tried to reach for his hand but he moved it before she could touch and let out a deep exhale.

"Just so you know there's a solid reason behind my action—"

"I'm aware that you're helping him hide his dirty laundry."

"How did—?"

"He pulled me out of the dorm and admitted everything."

"Kaname onii-sama did that? That's so unlike him."

"Unlike you, he thought he owed me an explanation."

Aiyora remained silent as she didn't know how to respond. Therefore the silence stretched for a while until Senri decided it was time to break it.

"To some extent I understand your actions but the way you chose to have things unfold left me baffled."

Aiyora turned to him, slightly confused.

"...Weren't you suffering from the trauma of getting bitten? How did that suddenly go away? I'm sure you didn't just wake up one evening with a lot of courage."

"I guess I grew out of it... I don't know. I honestly don't know Ri-chan. In that moment all I thought about was saving him from the grasp of the council. I already did enough damage to his reputation with the fake rape accusation. It's too soon to have murder added as well. If something happens to him we will all be in trouble. Believe it or not the night class still stands strong because of him. If he is removed it will crumble like house of cards. He is our guaranteed safety card here. Even the council wouldn't actually mess with us as long as we're under his umbrella."

"Safety card huh?! Is that why you did that, to keep your safety card in hand?"

"What do you mean?"

"Oh please! You know very well what I meant. You're intentionally keeping him seduced. Despite knowing his... feelings."

"THAT'S NOT TRUE!" Aiyora yelled. Standing up in rage.

"Ai-chan... please drop the act. You made it pretty obvious. You do understand, even if we were outside, we all saw what was happening inside. Your dress, the way your hands were grasping his back... tugging his hair. And what's with having a leg wrapped around his waist? Seriously what was that?!"

Aiyora opened her mouth to defend herself but closed it off.

"He also drank from Ruka-san before. And we all know how badly she wants him. Yet she didn't dare pull stunts like you."

"..." Aiyora looked like a child who got caught stealing.

"Even if he needed to drink from you... there were safe methods to carry it out. You could have given him the wrist. Or discuss the whole situation with me beforehand and I could have accompanied you. Or at least you could have worn some proper clothes and not have your legs wrapped around his waist."

"I can't change what happened. But I want you to believe me when I tell you that I hold no feelings for him."

"I know..." Senri let out an exasperated sigh. "...which is precisely why we're having this conversation Ai-chan. I don't know what game you're playing but it needs to stop." He specified the next word. "Immediately."

"I'm sorry... so sorry Ri-chan." She looked down and closed her eyes tightly. It was impossible for her to look him in the eyes now.

Senri watched her for moment. Despite the intense urge to pull her in for an embrace, he didn't. Because it would coddle her and give out the message. She would get the impression she could get away making those sad/guilty faces. When in reality she wouldn't actually learn the main message. What she did deserves a longer silent treatment and cold shoulder. And that's exactly what she would get from him.

Aiyora reopened her eyes when she felt him stand up.

Without a word the Shiki heir walked to the door.

"Ri-chan...?"

Senri stopped, signalling her that he was listening.

"Would you want to have dinner together tonight?"

"No." He flatly declined and continued on his way to the exit. But stopped as he reached the door.

"Ai-chan..."

"Yes..." she responded quite enthusiastically. Hoping he might have changed his mind.

"Don't play with fire, you'll get burned. And even if you are strong enough to survive through, others may not be so lucky."

With that said he was gone leaving her to reflect on her actions.


A/N: so this was my version of episode 1 season 2. I actually changed things around a bit, as in took some scenes from the manga and tried to blend it in here. For those of you who didn't read the manga— Hanabusa running away from the moon dorm happens soon after the ball when Kaname goes to the senate with Kain and Ichijou.

And as for explanation of certain situation (Aiyora's actions in the last chapter), I hope the little discussion between Senri and Aiyora explain. But of course I'm hoping to go more into the details later.

Also, those of you who noticed Aiyora and Yuuki's catfight, this is my explanation- they're like sisters would would fight because of their differences but make up and probably fight again and make up.

On the other hand Senri is disciplining Aiyora, hopefully she will learn her lesson soon.

Anyway hope you all enjoyed this chapter.