Chapter 14: Guardianship

The silence of the mountain wilderness was disturbed as a black car pulled into the circular driveway and stopped in front of the cottage. The chauffeur emerged and opened the passenger door. Kaname stepped out and scanned his surroundings, taking in the fresh air and thick woods, noting how well the residence blended in. He had always enjoyed quiet places like this.

A pleasant-looking vampire woman dressed in a maid's uniform bowed and welcomed him as he strode up the stairs. Beside her stood Yuki, clad in a refined, navy-blue dress with her hair tied into a French braid, adorned with a matching blue ribbon.

"Kaname onii-sama," she greeted him with a small smile, more restrained than usual.

Yuki still could not help feeling a bit apprehensive about him meeting alone with her mother. After meeting him for the first time three days ago, she had been slightly regretting consenting to his visit. She had not expected to reunite with her brother so fast, and everything felt rushed and out of control. On the other hand, her mother had reacted with her usual blasé attitude, seemingly unconcerned.

"Yuki," he smiled gently, sensing her slight hesitancy.

The maid, who he learned was called Aoi took his coat and led him through the narrow foyer to the living room with a vaulted ceiling. A small fire crackled in the fireplace, warming the interior. There were plenty of windows, affording a good view of the scenery outside. One window was open, providing airflow and ensuring the interior was not too stuffy. Vampires preferred cooler temperatures after all.

An elegant woman wearing a lavender purple houmongi lounged on the sofa, observing the night sky with an inscrutable expression. At his entrance, she turned her head to face him.

"Kaname-san, it is a pleasure to receive you at our humble abode." She smiled wryly as she acknowledged him and gestured him to sit across from her.

"It's my pleasure, thank you for having me," Kaname replied, continuing the idle small talk as he settled in.

Aoi came back with tea and pastries and poured him a cup of tea. She then retreated upstairs, tending to some unfinished household task. Yuki was still loitering around, as though expecting to be present throughout their conversation.

Shizuka turned to her daughter. "Yuki, you should head over to Maria's house now." Her voice was gentle but firm.

Yuki gave Kaname one last conflicted look before retrieving her coat and leaving for Maria's home. Although she wanted to stay, it seemed her mother and brother had something to discuss that they did not want her to hear.


"Shizuka-san, I need to thank you for rescuing Yuki from Rido and raising her all these years," Kaname said and examined her expression, which remained unperturbed, the thoughts behind her pink eyes a mystery.

Dealing with other purebloods was a hassle because they had all been raised to keep their thoughts and emotions under control. It seemed Shizuka who was kept in a fancy cage all her life and who had never attended social events was no exception.

"There is no need to thank me," she replied impassively.

"Despite my sincere gratitude…I cannot help but wonder why you stand against your husband for the sake of Haruka and Juri's child, who is not linked to you by blood. Perhaps your kind-hearted nature compelled you to do so? Or was there some other reason?" He asked and looked at her sharply, eyes locked with hers in an unspoken challenge.

Shizuka smiled sardonically – for someone to call her 'kind-hearted' even if it was insincere was laughable. They both knew that purebloods rarely act simply out of the kindness of their hearts. By upbringing they were supposed to be calculating, always planning their moves and actions as though perpetually engaged in a game of chess with some unseen opponent.

"I do not need to explain myself to you, but you should know among our kind, marriages are mostly for political reasons. Just because I am Rido's wife does not mean I am allegiant to him." Narrowing her eyes, she continued, "Kaname-san, you should know exactly what kind of person Rido is. After all, he is the one that sacrificed Haruka and Juri's firstborn to revive you."

Kaname froze for a second at her disclosure that she was aware of his identity. He had wondered if she knew about him being the Kuran ancestor, given her relationship with Rido, but had not expected her to bring it up without his prodding, and so early in their conversation too.

He put the teacup on the coffee table and leaned into his seat, crossing his legs. There was no longer any need to keep up the pretense of being the young son of Haruka and Juri.

"So, you know my real identity, Shizuka. It seems Rido was quite open with you about his plans and doings." His voice had taken on an icy tinge and the atmosphere turned tense.

"Perhaps it is because you were never married to a madman yourself, Kaname-san, and are thus unaware, but the insane are often more honest than those who are sane. They find it unnecessary to keep their thoughts to themselves." Her expression remained impassive as before, but her tone was now as cold as Kaname's.

She looked back with those light pink eyes of hers, undaunted by the knowledge that he was the Kuran ancestor, one who hailed from the era of seemingly endless wars between purebloods.

Those fearless pink eyes reminded him of someone from his distant past. That person had never faltered in battle despite the odds, his blade had cut down enemies with grace and precision, his eyes calm the whole time. It always made Kaname oddly nostalgic seeing traits he had known from those in the past pop up amongst their descendants.

"Regarding your implication, I was only aware that he harbored deep resentment towards Haruka and Juri, but I was not aware he would do what he did to their firstborn," Shizuka broke off briefly, taking a second to remove the frosty edge from her words. "I only found out when he returned home, released by the Council that was supposed to have kept him imprisoned. Although the insane can be very honest, they are also unpredictable."

Kaname stared hard at her for a few more seconds, before finally accepting her admission. She did not seem to be lying, and even if she had known, Kaname knew she would not have been able to stop him.

Among their kind, in arranged marriages, the male was almost always much older, resulting in a skewed power dynamic. The same power dynamic that had partly contributed to her having been isolated and locked up since birth. Kaname did not know the details of their relationship but did not doubt that her animosity towards Rido was genuine. A man that would kill his own parents and sibling probably did not treat his wife well.

Furthermore, Yuki's love for her was clear in the way she had looked at him with wariness before leaving. The girl had been worried about her adoptive mother, to the point where she doubted him, her "brother" to whom she was related to by blood. From that one meeting he had had with the girl, she seemed a candid person with a mild personality, much like Haruka. For her to have kept her gentle disposition and to be so concerned for her adoptive mother, she must have been raised lovingly. Kaname could be assured that whatever Shizuka's reasons were for having saved Yuki, she did care for Yuki.

They sat in silence for a while, each sipping tea and lost in their own thoughts. When he glanced back at her, she was gazing out the window at the moon – it was a half-moon tonight.

"Yuki told me that Rido found and attacked you two just three years ago," Kaname broke the lull, moving the conversation on to the next topic.

"Yes, the boy from the Toma family assisted me towards the end."

"Based on information from my sources, that man has started acting up again recently, even though he has kept himself hidden. He will probably come for either Yuki or her twin soon…"

She did not reply to his ominous prediction, but kept her gaze trained on the bright moon in the dark skies. It would be Jugoya soon, but she knew Yuki would not be viewing the moon with her and Aoi this year…

"Cross Academy was founded by Juri, Haruka, and their friend Kaien Cross, who used to be a hunter, formidable enough to have gained the alias 'The Fangless Vampire'. Although he has since put down his sword, vampires with bad intentions would think twice before encroaching on the academy grounds. At the academy, I also have loyal supporters that would help me protect those I hold dear."

"Yuki will join you at the academy, returning to her role as the Kuran princess," Shizuka quietly interrupted him. She knew this would come up and spared him the need to further persuade her.

Kaname smiled congenially. "That's the correct decision, Shizuka. You lack the strength to kill Rido on your own and won't be able to protect her when he returns. Furthermore, Yuki cannot live a normal life with you and would always be on the run as the Council chases after you. I'm glad you have decided to return Yuki to her rightful family, that's where her best interests lay."

He knew he might appear as though stealing a daughter from her mother. However, everything he said was the truth. No matter how much Shizuka cared for Yuki, the girl was not her own – there was no blood connection. Shizuka was just an outsider that had married into his clan, and her husband was Rido, the one who had caused Yuki and Yoko to become orphans in the first place.

Kaname glanced at her, slightly curious if she betrayed any anger at his words, but her face was still turned away.

It wasn't important though. No matter how Shizuka felt, he would take Yuki back, even if Yuki would hate him for it. None of them can defy the much older and much more powerful him. He had a promise to keep – ensuring Yuki's safety at all costs, even if one of the costs included her resenting him. Besides, it's not like he would never let Yuki see her mother again, she was simply not going to be under her guardianship anymore.

Kaname uncrossed his legs and leaned forward to pour himself more tea before moving on to the next topic.

"I too cannot kill Rido, since he is the 'master' that awoke me from my slumber. Fortunately, I have discovered a pair of hunter twins that could assist us in our shared goal."

Shizuka finally shifted her gaze back to him, her eyes narrowing. "Hunter twins?"

"Yes, from an old lineage, the Kiryus. Both twins miraculously born alive, with the elder twin holding much potential. They are currently also attending Cross Academy, as fate would have it. The older twin cares deeply for his ailing younger twin, and I have no doubt he will eventually be desperate enough to accept the deal I proposed for the sake of his brother."

"Even if he possesses the potential to become the strongest hunter of this era, he is still human. He will not be able to kill that man."

"That is why I will give him my blood, the oldest and most potent blood left on earth. All he has to do is intervene at the final moment, firing the last shot to end Rido after I already weakened him," Kaname explained.

She didn't comment and he took a moment to imbibe more tea. The tea possessed a hint of orchid fragrance, it was probably a premium Keemun.

"You have served the role of mother for Yuki all these years, for which I am grateful. In turn, I will take care of the problem of Rido. With his death, you will be freed and able to do as you wish," he declared.

He observed the woman sitting across from him. There was no excitement in her eyes, despite what he had just said.

Just as he was about to discuss the plan to introduce Yuki as his younger sister to the Night Class and the rest of vampire society, she spoke up.

"Kaname, let me take your place when the time comes." Her voice was quiet, but her resolve was clear.

Kaname studied her, considering the advantages to accepting her request. Shizuka was strong enough to weaken Rido, even if she could not kill him. After all, she managed to hold him back by herself and survive. If she took his place, Kaname could use that situation as an opportunity to deal with the corrupt Council that backed Rido. For Yoko and Yuki to be truly safe, Asato Ichijou and the nobles he led were also obstacles he had to remove.

"You're aware of the risks of what you propose, Shizuka? Even if you're his wife, he will not hold back if you get in his way again."

Shizuka gave him a saturnine smile, one suggesting she was all too aware of what he mentioned. "As his wife, I am responsible for cleaning the mess he created. This is also my duty as Yuki's mother, one I will accomplish for her sake."

For the first time all night, Kaname saw her drop her unfathomable mask. A forlornness in her gaze conveyed her unspoken message. She had accepted the consequences and made her decision. Just as he had to confront the Council, she would confront Rido and bring the tragic play of her generation to a close.

For a moment, Kaname pitied her and wondered what life she had lived being the one to shoulder the role of Rido's wife. For her to request taking his place and choose this conclusion even though he had offered her another path…it seemed her heart had reached its limits.

"…Very well, I will keep you updated about Rido's movements."

She nodded. "One last thing, I have not disclosed your real identity to Yuki, so you can tell her yourself at the right moment."

"Thank you for your discretion," he said sincerely, it would have complicated matters if Yuki had known.

She turned back to gaze at the sky, bringing their conversation to an end. He likewise turned to admire the vast darkness above, interspersed with the luminescence of the moon and stars. The two observed the skies in companionable silence, as he had done long ago with someone else possessing eyes the color of cherry blossoms and hair as white as snow.


Yuki finished moving the last luggage case and sighed in relief. After much procrastination and indecision, she had finally finished packing for her departure to Cross Academy. The clothes and personal effects she had decided on were snuggly placed inside the three cases.

At the thought of attending the same academy as Yoko, happiness and excitement welled in her. Her anticipation for school life was further enhanced by the fact that Maria would be accompanying her, and the knowledge that she would meet more people and potentially make more friends. The fact that she would no longer have to endure painful koto lessons also added to her delight.

Ever since her mother and brother had met a week ago and decided Yuki would join him at school, she had been too excited to sit still. Her mother had asked the Kurenais to let Maria attend alongside her, to have a familiar presence around.

On her part, Maria had pushed her parents to consent. She was no longer sick like she was in the past and wanted to experience a normal life and meet other vampires her age. Besides, she wanted to keep an eye on Yuki, who was prone to getting in trouble and acting in ways unbefitting of a pureblood.

"Yuki-sama, Shizuka-sama is waiting for you in her bedroom," Aoi announced, standing at the door.

"I'm coming!" Yuki replied and left her room. She walked down the hall to the master bedroom. The door was closed, and she knocked softly.

"Come in." Her mother's voice drifted from within.

Yuki opened the door and entered. Her mother was sitting in front of the vanity, dressed in her night gown, and combing her hair before heading to bed. Yuki bounded over and scooted onto the bench, cuddling next to her mother. Although she was happy to be attending school, she was reluctant to leave her mother and Aoi.

"Okaa-sama, why don't I ask Kaname onii-sama to find a place for you and Aoi closer to the academy so I can visit often? There should be a house in the nearby town you can move into."

Shizuka put the lacquered comb down on the vanity table. "Yuki, I like the mountains. It is quiet here, and I have Maria's parents to keep me company." She tucked a loose strand of hair behind Yuki's ear before continuing. "You don't have to worry about me and Aoi and should focus on your studies instead."

Yuki hugged her. "I'll miss you two though."

Shizuka smiled pensively before reaching out to grab a small box from one corner of the vanity. "I have a gift for you."

Yuki lifted her head to examine the box her mother placed in front of her. It was a traditional, black lacquered box with gold leafing and motifs of cranes and pine tree. She let go of her mother to open the box and found a matching comb and hairpin.

The hair accessories were both made of bright-red lacquered wood and crafted in the traditional style. The comb was shaped like a half moon and possessed a simple design, with only two round crests detailed in gold at the center above the teeth. The crests looked vaguely familiar, but Yuki could not remember where she had seen them before and moved on to the hirauchi kanzashi. The flat circle of the hairpin had cherry blossoms painted on one side, and orchids on the other. Like the box, both the comb and hairpin appeared to be very valuable and made by expert craftsmen.

"They're beautiful, thank you," Yuki gushed but her curiosity crept up and prompted her to ask, "Where did they come from though? I didn't think Aoi would allow you to buy something like this with our current budget…"

Shizuka laughed lightly at the girl's accurate assessment of Aoi's fiscal chariness.

"No, she would not. This would probably cost more than half a year's budget."

At the estimate of her gift's cost, Yuki gasped in shock. "Okaa-sama…you didn't rob a bank, did you?" she asked half-jokingly.

Yuki knew her mother was accustomed to luxury, which she had to give up when they fled from Uncle Rido. Yuki herself was used to a more modest lifestyle, having grown up under the circumstances she did. When she had stayed at Shizuku's manor while her mother was recuperating, she had been shocked by the opulence and had felt like a pauper next to that wealthy young master.

"Hmm, that idea is tempting, but I prefer to be called the 'madly blooming princess' over the 'robber princess', the first title has a nicer ring," Shizuka teased and pinched her frowning daughter's cheek.

"Don't worry, I didn't break any laws. This comb and hairpin were part of my wedding trousseau," Shizuka explained, her tone less mirthful as she picked up the comb and stared at it with a distant look, thinking of the faraway past. "The crest on the right is the Hiou family crest and the one on the left is the Kuran crest. Similarly, the orchids on the hairpin represent his family and the cherry blossoms represent mine. These items were designed to commemorate the alliance of the two clans through our marriage."

Yuki looked with some concern at her mother, she knew she didn't like talking about her marriage. Once when she was young, she had asked Aoi about her mother's past. Aoi had just shaken her head and told her somethings were better left forgotten to be buried by the sands of time.

"My cousin, the head of the Hiou family, didn't hold back on expenses when marrying me off. Even though we were not close, he made sure to send me away with all the splendor as befits a daughter from his family, not wanting to lose face and be outdone by the Kurans."

Shizuka smiled sardonically as she recalled the memory of her cousin and her in-laws at her wedding banquet – they had been visibly more jubilant than her and Rido. She stopped reminiscing when she felt Yuki's head against her shoulder.

"Okaa-sama…if this comb and hairpin reminds you of things you'd rather forget, you should just leave them in the closet and never look at them again."

"There is no need to be so concerned Yuki, my past is not as tragic as you believe. What happened between me and that man is a common tale with arranged marriages."

Shizuka placed the accessories back in the ornate box and closed the lid.

"I am giving you this because it fits you. You are the Kuran princess, daughter of Haruka and Juri, but also my child – a better union of the two families than me and that man. Besides, it would be a shame if this pretty comb and kanzashi were never used and left to gather dust instead."

Shizuka stroked Yuki's hair. "Anyway, Yuki, children inevitably leave their parents, whether it be for school or marriage."

"No, I'll always return to you. Even if I get married in the future, I'll have you live with me," Yuki asserted stubbornly.

Shizuka smiled with a tinge of sadness. "Yuki is a good child. But it is now time for you to go to bed, you and Maria leave early tomorrow."

She placed the box in her daughter's hands, then Yuki gave a quick peck to her cheek and left.

Shizuka remained in front of the vanity for a few minutes, staring blankly at her reflection and pondering the reality of her daughter leaving. She had known that once Kaname discovered Yuki was alive he would want the girl returned, so she had been dragging her feet this past year, trying to put off the inevitable.

Now the time had come to let go.

She opened the drawer and retrieved a small, folded blanket. Silently she traced the embroidered wisteria blossoms on the lavender silk. She would eventually get used to Yuki's absence. After all, she was no stranger to loss…


A/N: Houmongi is a type of semi-formal kimono for social events. Jugoya (aka Tsukimi) falls on the 15th of the 8th month according to the lunar calendar and has roots in celebrating the year's harvest. Traditionally on that day, the Japanese set out offerings of dango and pampas grass and admire the full moon while sipping sake.