A/N: Two of three. Let's just hope I can have some time to do the last one and not staying up until 1 am like I did last night.

"How's Gonkuro?" Kaito questioned early the next morning. They had agreed to meet at a café rather than Kain's home. As part of the agreement, Zero set Kaito's coffee in the cup holder.

"He's better company than you. Even if he is planning my funeral." He slammed the door behind him, checking his phone.

"New beau?"

"Wakaba and Touya." He viewed Wakaba's, a slight smile appearing. "She says ignore Touya."

"Sage advice. How'd she wind up with her?"

"Beats me. Though, she seems to have a calming effect on her." He buckled his seatbelt and turned off his phone, fingering Bloody Rose as a sense of security.

"I'm amazed." Kaito started, backing out of the drive.

"What?"

"Surrounded by vampires and you haven't used Rose against them yet."

Zero exhaled. "If I did, everything I'm working for would crumble."

"I've been thinking about that." Kaito's teasing smile faded. "Is Kain the best way to go?"

"No." He confirmed. "Kain's not end game."

"I see. Then, who is?"

"I won't know that until I start entering the hierarchy which is why I need him."

"I thought you would have known by now."

"I've been jumping through hoops." He rubbed the back of his neck, leaning it to the left. "Maybe six months from now, Kain won't think me a threat to his Lord and Lady."

"You've been together how long?"

Zero snorted. "It seems a shorter time than it actually is."

"So, according to your time line, you'll be with Kain for about a year?"

"There abouts."

"Seems kind of cruel… But then, what's a year to a vampire?"

"About a month?" Kaito grinned though, it didn't meet his eyes. "Now, where are we going?"

"Associations. We're going back to Tonkai and doing a clear out."

"What about the Hostages?"

Kaito shook his head. "A clear out, Kiryuu."

"There has to be some other way."

"This is the only way."

"I refuse."

"What would you do, then? We can't exactly ignore orders."

"What if we took a few of the hostages and weaned them off vampire blood?"

"We'd need a SWAT car and, God help us if we get feuding… Sorry."

Zero hadn't bothered to hide his flinch under the deity. Instead, he shrugged. "We can but try. And try again."

Seven. Seven hostages saved, as far as he was concerned. They revered Zero as a threat and tried to manipulate Kaito several times. Only Toga was a part of the plan, luring the hostages away from their vampire counterparts. Unfortunately, most were rabid. Zero scrubbed the blood off his hands, trying to distance himself.

The adults weren't the problem for him. They had made their choice and their wills were stronger. It was always the kids, never in control of their future. He bit his lip hard, drawing blood. Kaito was back in the hospital, Toga resting next to him. Since joining the association, he had never shed a tear. He wouldn't start now.

He turned and punched the accoster who placed a hand on his shoulder. Cross. He was unapologetic for it. After all, crazy man appear out of nowhere, doesn't announce himself… Zero crossed his arms over his chest. It was only when the man straightened into his somber side that the guilt gnawed at him. "I heard about Tonkai."

"You weren't there." He started scrubbing his forearms. "Not as bad as last time but… There were enough."

Cross leaned against the sink countertop. "You forget I have experience, Zero."

The younger bowed his head. He could almost hear the chiding. "Count today as a win, son."

"A win? Did you not see how many bodies that we left behind?"

"And did you not see the amount of people you brought back with the intent to return to a life before vampires?"

"Seven."

"Seven. Seven people that you can save." Cross pressed a finger to his bottom lip, his gaze glazed.

"What." Zero questioned, pulling off the blood-stained shirt. He had waited too long; the skin underneath was stained, too.

"Just wondering where the AVAH was."

"Do they normally deal with it?"

"When it comes to the younger generations? Yes."

"Maybe it's a flaw in…" Zero let the thought slide. Kain would have thought about it, would have advocated for it. But, he was one person. And, as much as he tried, Zero's lover wasn't exactly the type to go on a mission. He ignored Cross' intrigued, watchful stare.

"You're not hurt?"

"I was careful. Left Kaito to run like a mad man." He tilted his head to the right, flinching at the new tear in his flesh, hissing slightly. "It's just a scrape."

"You wouldn't be moving if it weren't." Cross muttered, examining the tear. "It'll leave a scar."

"Wouldn't be the first."

"You know, you could drop… Death glare? Really?" He shook his head. "Well, better than the silent treatment."

Silence. Cross clapped his hands on Zero's shoulders. "You know you have me in your corner, Zero. Whatever you need."

"… Thanks." He stepped out of Cross' touch, starting on the next section.

Zero collapsed onto the couch, sighing heavily. It would be a long day tomorrow. Maybe for the next couple of weeks. Secretly, he was glad of the research – it was less demanding than tracking vampire activity. For the first time in several days, he switched on his phone. Nothing, at first. He started filling a glass of water, the small amount of anxiety starting to swell. Surely, Kain would message if he was staying late.

He returned to his phone, his brow furrowing. Seventeen calls. Fifty texts. He opened the texts first, scrolling to find Wakaba. I know you're busy on a mission but… Have you heard from Kain?

He skipped over Touya's, opening the voicemails.

The first three messages were along the lines of "Hey, Kiryuu. Call me back."

Four through eight, Touya's voice rose. "Kiryuu, this is serious. Call me back!"

Nine through sixteen were various voices – two belonging to Souen. Aidou had also called, apologizing on his girlfriends behalf but, the message was the same. Cross had called. Master had. Two were Wakaba, the more informative. "Not sure when you're going to hear this but… Kain's missing. Has been for a few days. Souen's been manipulating Touya into thinking you're behind it. I don't think you would be but, if you are… Well, I don't think you are."

The last was Gonkuro. How many people did Touya give my damn number to? Zero questioned, glaring at the blonde from afar. "Kiryuu. By now, you probably realize that Master Kain hasn't returned from his business meetings. Enmei has scoured all the haunts. If you have any information, please tell Enmei… Or Touya."

He bypassed Touya and called the number. Enmei picked up. "Hello?"

"What was the last communication anyone had with him?" Zero had stood, starting to pick at the skin next to his thumb.

"Um… Who's this?" He could hear him rub the sleep out of his eyes.

"Kiryuu returning a call. Now, what was the last communication anyone had with Kain?" He stepped onto the balcony, lighting a cigarette.

"That would be me. He called saying he wanted to be picked up after the long day and he'd be around our usual place."

"Any clues left behind?"

"Not a scrap. Besides the security camera but, it doesn't cover the area Kain stands around. Hold on." Enmei held the receiver away from himself, starting a conversation with Gonkuro.

In another moment, a different voice answered. "Is he with you?"

"No." Gonkuro sighed heavily. "What time was he supposed to be back?"

"Two days. He never stays longer unless it's imperative he does."

Kiryuu nodded. "His phone's off, I'm presuming?"

"Dead, I'd reckon. The wench would have drained it within a couple of minutes." Despite his need to remain proper, Zero considered it a victory that he had started dropping the butler act. "I've tried to hack into the network and can confirm that he's in surrounding area but, I don't know where."

"It's a start. Call me if anything else comes up, yeah?"

"Of course."

He tried Touya who, he figured, ignored him. Then, he tried Wakaba. She answered quickly. "Hey, Kiryuu."

From somewhere else, he heard Touya scoff. "Hey, Wakaba. Think you can handle a gathering of Touya, Aidou, Souen, you and myself?"

He could almost see her eyeing her girlfriend. "Even if I have to drag her there by her hair."

"Where is he?" Touya asked, her voice hard.

"Nice to see you too, Touya." He gestured for her to sit. Wakaba seated herself next to Zero.

"I'm getting a drink." She stalked off toward the bar.

"She's pissed." He noted.

"Wouldn't you be?" Wakaba asked.

"I had nothing to do with it but, I seem to be the only one doing anything about it." Souen dragged Aidou behind her as he tried to hold her hands behind her back. Zero had appreciated the attempt, even if he failed miserably.

"My cousin." Souen asked the second she had sat down. Her manner may have appeared correct but, Zero heard the threat.

"Sorry. We're just worried." Aidou answered, running a hand through his hair.

Souen spun around on him. "You're worried? You sat on your ass for three days. He always tells us when he's coming home and he's not home."

Touya sat down, trying to pry her tequila bottle from Souen's fingers. "And, where the hell were you, Kiryuu?"

"On a mission in Tonkai." He stretched a little, the tiredness on his face.

"A likely story." Souen growled. "And anyone would cover for you."

"Ruuka…" Aidou's warning voice surfaced.

"No. I'm sick of people sticking up for him. First Kain, now you…"

"Why would I let Kain get kidnapped if I…" He broke the sentence off. Touya tilted her head, sharing a glance with Wakaba.

"You always have a plan, Kiryuu. All you are is a manipulative liar." Souen downed a glass.

Aidou tried again. "Ruuka, you're not hearing –"

"I'm not listening! I hear just fine, Hanabusa." She pointed a finger at Zero. "This man has our cousin wrapped around his little finger –"

Touya slammed her hand on the table. "Souen, shut up."

Souen did so, albeit, her eyes narrowed. Zero nodded to one companion. At least Touya was easily swayed. "Enmei was the last to hear from him."

"Not… The last." Touya answered, her voice softened. "He texted saying he'd be home in fifteen."

"Did you get a text from him?" Souen questioned. Zero shook his head.

"Gonkuro did a quick survey and found that he's still in the city."

"Three tower deal or just around the city?" Touya asked, clearly interested.

"Around the city, obviously." Souen commented. "If he's truly been kidnapped by an unknown, we'd be better off with the connections."

Given the pointed look at Aidou, the male cousin started texting. Souen did the same. Touya sighed, unlocking her phone. "What are we looking for?"

"Outposts. Anyone who has seen Kain in the last few days around abandoned buildings. Suspicious behavior. It helps when Lady Yuuki goes off on her own." Aidou informed.

Zero raised an eyebrow, lowering his head as he started his own list of people. Wakaba helped herself to the tequila. "I'd be more looking into the company. He has a long list of enemies that would prefer he not show up again."

"You mean like Ando?" Touya asked, raising her eyes. Zero wondered when they were going to make up.

"Ando doesn't have that kind of control. What about his new assistant?"

Souen shook her head, placing her phone down. "Takada is part of AVAH, one of the first Kain's helped. But, if she works with Ozaki…"

"Then, she's never going to help with Kain." Aidou finished, resting his head against the booth.

"Takada is working for Ozaki?" Zero asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ozaki was supposed to help Kain with the AVAH. Instead, she took control of it and, because of the last few years, Kain's been fine with that. But, since he started standing on his own, he'll claim it for himself." Aidou explained.

Then Ozaki is the one who deserves my anger. Zero concluded, somewhat exasperated.

"It'll take days to sort through the cameras." Touya sighed, setting her phone down.

"You're doing cameras? I'm doing interviews." Aidou whined.

"Interviews? Lucky! I'm dealing with drug addicts." Souen added, starting to pout.

"Then, we split up." Touya lifted her hands over her head. "Wakaba, Souen. Drug addicts."

"Why?" Souen started again.

Wakaba nodded. "It'll help with the next campaign and, it sure as hell won't ruin your business to do so."

Souen drank, obviously unhappy about her role. Touya scratched her head. "Aidou, what do you have on your plate?"

"About eighty-seven meetings that I have to be in and sleep through."

"Aidou and I will interview people." Zero intervened. The other raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "And, that leaves you with the hours of footage."

"Which I can share with Shiki." Touya added, a partial smile on her face. Wakaba tried to remain composed, her fist clenching. Zero nodded to himself.

The interviews were stupid. Zero stood back as Aidou desperately ran to each person who might have seen something, his spit fire questions confusing even the most intellectual person. They crossed yet another name off a list, Aidou draping an arm across his eyes. "I'm supposed to be in a meeting with Wakaba today to discuss Aidou Industries."

"I don't think either of you would be able to focus." Zero stated, shoulder checking and cursing as yet another driver passed him.

"I figured Souen would be a bit more anal than she is." Silence. Aidou exhaled loudly. "What are you planning in the Association?"

"… What do you know about hostages?"

"Vile. Heartbreaking. No person should have to live through it. Why?" He examined Zero thoroughly. "Even if you share Lady Yuuki's blood with them, they'll grow a taste for pureblood."

"She told you?"

"I'm a boy genius." The words were sarcastic but pride still swelled in Aidou's chest.

Zero sighed. "She might be able to convince them to act normally until we can figure out how to return them to humans."

"You truly believe that blood can do compulsion on a large scale?"

"I've heard it."

Aidou scoffed. "Those are fairy tales, Kiryuu. No one living has proof that it can work on a normal vampire, much less a hostage."

"But, somewhere, fairy tales are rooted in truth. Like Sleeping Beauty –"

"You're comparing vampire lore to the rape of a child?"

"Or Snow White –"

"Killed by a queen."

"Or Cinderella –"

"Happy tale, tragic ending." Aidou shook his head. "There's consequences to this, Kiryuu."

"But, if we can prove that it can work, we might be able to reverse several thralls."

Aidou pinched the bridge of his nose. "If it works. But, it might be lesser vampire blood and, as much as I'm intrigued… I'm afraid for Lady Yuuki's safety."

"I didn't force her into it, Aidou. Cross, maybe but, not me."

"The last man known to use it died centuries ago."

"He was manipulating a vampire." An idea popped into Kiryuu's head. "What if it weren't a vampire but a human?"

"Are you suggesting throwing Wakaba into the mix?"

"No. Human blood is easier to get to – hospitals, clinics. If we dilute it down from pureblood to human, they may show other effects."

"It's a hypothesis but, I don't see it working." Zero sighed, finding the brake as they approached a stop sign. "But…"

Zero hated how Aidou tilted his head both directions, nodding and shaking his head. The discussion inside his skull bothered him for no real reason. "Aidou, do you want to come into the Association to help make these decisions?"

"I'd need to dissect a humans blood, find out what components make up vampire and what makes up human… Hmm?" He blinked twice, confused. Then, flabbergasted. Then, impressed. Then, excited. "Yes."

"Souen won't be happy about it." Zero replied, trying to understand Aidou's train of thought. Blood had water and DNA. Not much else. Vampire blood differed… It clicked.

"Ruuka, as much as she'd love to, doesn't control Akatsuki or myself."

"I still don't see how you two wound up together."

"She may like to control but… There's enough out of her control." Aidou answered. "Anyway, where to?"

Saved by the phone. Aidou sighed. "Half a city and we're closest to the last time he was seen."

Zero drove.

Three additional days. Since then, Zero had enlisted Toga and Kaito. After a snide remark about him not being able to keep a man, Kaito agreed to help. Zero and Aidou pulled up to the abandoned site. Neither had slept.

"Yagari's sure of this?" Aidou asked, skeptical of the new building as he unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of the car.

"It matches with the testimony of the last person who saw him." He locked Bloody Rose in her holster. "Thank Souen for me."

"Ruuka won't take it if anything happens to Akatsuki." Still, he leaned against the car. "Do you have to bring Bloody Rose?"

"You want to go in half cocked, that's your choice." He slammed the door.

"Can't you smell vampire?"

"I can."

"Then, don't you know?"

"One vampire with power will nullify the scent of any other. And, I have to contend with two." Aidou smirked condescendingly. Zero rolled his eyes, stepping into the labyrinth. "How old is this building?"

"It was one of the first Akatsuki built once he came of age. So… Six years?"

"Then, why is it so abandoned?"

"Shoddy workmanship. The partners have been trying to screw him over since he started." Zero kept his fist unclenched. Aidou shrugged. "You don't have to pretend that you're immovable, Kiryuu."

He ignored the comment, freezing behind a pillar. "Shouldn't someone be coming?"

"Unless they chose to leave him alone." Aidou shivered. "Six weeks without blood… Do you remember the last time he had a blood tablet?"

"I think he had one with me about… two weeks before the capture." Zero answered. He felt a faint power beneath his feet.

"I mean, I know he didn't really drink a lot of blood to begin with…" Aidou followed Zero, step for step. "Never had…"

"Shush it." Zero ordered, checking both corridors. "It feels wrong to leave a starved vampire alone."

"If they were human, it would make sense."

"How'd a human get the jump on Kain?" Zero questioned, stepping past the second hallway.

"Beats me. Might be a tag team." Aidou inhaled deeply. "Second corridor."

"You're sure?"

"No. But, better guess than you have." Zero flipped him off, following the instructions anyway. Sure enough, Kain was in a room by himself, handcuffed against a wall. Aidou smirked.

"Don't."

"What?"

"I can hear it."

"Hear what?"

"That remark you're about to say."

"Fine, fine." Zero kicked the door down. "Really? You didn't try the handle?"

"If they know what he is, they'd lock it. If they didn't, perhaps it was overkill."

Aidou pushed past, freezing the handcuffs and turning Kain's head. "Well… They know what he is."

"How can you tell?" Zero asked, kneeling by his side. There was a sort of clinical clean emitting from Kain's body.

"The smell." Aidou swore under his breath. "Let's hope he doesn't regain consciousness."

"Why?" Zero had started lifting him, preparing to drag him out.

"He's starved and drugged." Aidou wrapped an arm around Kain's waist, placing his cousin's arm around his shoulder.

Kain's head lolled to the side, resting against Aidou's neck. His grip tightened on Kiryuu's shoulder, a soft sigh escaping him. Zero watched as Aidou tensed, wary of each breath. It was when he wet the intended bite area, Aidou pulled away. "He's waking up."

Zero sat the drugged vampire down. He glanced at the way they had come, how far Kain would have to travel. He lowered himself to Kain's level, the other gripping his thighs. He held Kain's head to his neck, running his fingers through his boyfriend's hair. "Kiryuu, he'll drink you dry."

"That's why you're… here." He ignored the catch in his throat as Kain wetted the area, his fangs brushing against the skin. Even now, nearly starved, Zero had never felt as cared for. He closed his eyes as Kain's fangs finally sank into his skin. Where his blood met Kain's saliva, Zero felt a slight tingle despite the tightening on the back of his thighs, leading up toward his shoulders and digging fingernails into the blades. He felt his heartrate slow, slumping forward. Zero wedged his hands between them, his arms heavy. Stop.

The fangs receded though, Kain didn't stop lapping the blood. Zero was pulled from Kain, a small whine resounding from both. With his eyes closed, Zero succumbed to the loss of blood.

Two out of three. Hella important but, I like the idea ^.^ Poor Kain… Not even back to the world and he's in shyte.. Think I fixed it.