Future Calling

Meanwhile one and half years had passed since the real Kuran Kaname had returned to this world, welcomed by Yuuki and everyone else. Especially Yuuki was relieved to finally have the brother she had known from her early childhood back by her side, but nothing had changed between them again. Yuuki still had stuck to Zero who she loved as man and regarded Kaname only as family who she loved as her brother.

Yet there were also difficulties that came along with Kaname's change of personality. The real Kuran Kaname was the almost exact opposite of his grandfather. Less commanding, less threatening, less assertive but still respected by others, mostly the ones who supported him at the council (Ichijou Takuma, Souren Ruka and Kain Akatsuki), the Aidou family, as well the families of Touya Rima and Shiki Senri. But of course the people had noticed his change at once. He had become even calmer and more patient than he had already been and sometimes he was reliant on his councilors for instance when political decisions had to be made. But Kaname was a quick learner. Though he still sort of regretted to have ever entered politics he soon figured out how to make people trust him. After all his grandfather had been a born leader. So why should he not have leadership qualities too?

Despite the top of the government there was one thing that had not changed. That was the government's goal which still was to create peace between the two races, vampires and humans, protected by the hunters. Kaname had learned from Kurosu Kaien that this had been his mother's wish and they both had decided to give it another try to fulfill her wish. Kurosu at Cross Academy and Kaname and the council hopefully across the country. Right at that moment everything looked like they had managed to achieve their goal. For more than a year now there was peace, backed up by the vampire council and the hunter association who was of course interested in peace as well.

People liked the idea of peace and quietness and as soon as they found out that those principles were held up at Cross Academy it was their first choice for their children. Not all of them were pleased with that but many, both humans and vampires. That was the one and only reason why more and more students enrolled at the academy, making the director Kurosu Kaien very happy. With every new student he felt like one more family had been convinced by his pacifism. Everytime he would glance at the photograph of Yuuki's mother Kuran Juuri on his desk and a smile would cross his lips. Soon his gaze would travel to the photograph next to Juuri's, showing his adoptive daughter Yuuki and her boyfriend Zero, both laughing brightly.

It was still not officially announced what kind of beings the Night Class students were. So the two of them were still Guardians, doing night patrols to keep the Day Class from crossing the grounds to get a closer look at the Night Class. As for Zero, he had rather passed the job to somebody else but Yuuki who was determined to continue had persuaded him to join her. However most of the time they were busy with other things than patrolling...

It was the the year of graduation and to be exact the last day they would spend at Cross Academy. Today was the most important day of their lives. Today they would get their last grades, their certificates that would decide about their future careers. This would be the Yuuki, Yori, Zero and their class but also Aidou Hanabusa, Shiki Senri and Rima Touya. Aidou would join his cousin in the council. Rima and Shiki however didn't know what to do aside from the fact that they didn't want to spend another year studying. Maybe they would expand their modeling careers.

Tonight there would a ball take place to celebrate the alumni and the next morning they would be picked up by a train, getting them back home to their parents just like during vacation but this time it was for good. They would never return.

This was of course a matter that made Yuuki depressed but not now. Not in this particular moment when everything she was feeling was joy.

Zero was walking across the grounds. It was a sunny and warm day. He had hung his jacket loosely over his back that contained his exam results he had just received. He was very pleased with himself. His marks were very good. Actually they didn't matter for his future because he had already concrete plans independent from his marks but still he was pleased. He was waiting for Yuuki. They had taken different profiles in the last years of education. Zero had chosen mathematics and sports for himself whereas Yuuki had taken Japanese which was much easier than mathematics and sports as well which didn't surprise him because Yuuki was sporty. Maybe not as athletic as him but athletic enough to take sport as profile subject. Just now he had had his last Japanese lesson and she her last mathematics lesson. Zero knew that she had most probably gotten her marks too and was curious if she had passed.

"Zero!"

He looked up to see Yuuki running up to him, holding a small booklet that contained her marks in her hand. She was smiling brightly. She was so excited that she nearly yanked him to the ground when she hugged him stormily.

"Yuuki! Hold your horses!" he laughed, embraced her and kissed her hello. When they broke apart he couldn't take it anymore. "So, spill, how was math?"

"I passed!" she shrieked joyously and showed him the booklet. "I even got a C instead of a D which would have been enough but of course I'm happy."

"Congratulations. But you didn't do this alone, right?" he grinned. They had spent eternity with studying as it had seemed to him. Math was just not something she was good at but as long as she had passed it was all fine.

"No. You helped me a lot and I'm so glad you did. Thank you so much," she said and kissed him deeply.

They decided to go for a walk across the ground and enjoy the good weather and the perfect mood. Yuuki took Zero's arm and let him lead her to wherever he liked. Everywhere around them people were celebrating their marks, cooled down at the fountains or just did it like them. Just passed, deeply lost into a conversation with the one next to them.

At some point Yuuki and Zero stopped talking and just walked silently. They stopped by the fountains and took a seat. When Yuuki's gaze wandered up to the school building her face fell. Somehow she would really miss this place. Kurosu had offered her to stay and maybe get employed as a school counselor but she had dismissed that. She wanted to see the world outside the academy. She was curious. She didn't know what to do but she definitely wanted to try something new. Her blue mood lingered when she looked at Zero with sad eyes. They had been together for one and half year now and it felt so right to be with him. There was nobody else she wanted to or could even imagine to spend her life with. However she didn't know how Zero thought about that. They hadn't talked about that yet. But they had both heard of relationships that were found during high school and lost at the end of it because the lovers just got bored or anything else.

"What's wrong, Yuuki?"

No matter how sad she was about those things she never intended to let Zero know about it. She had fallen in love with his smile that had become a common feature of him since the beginning of their relationship. She didn't want it to break by melancholy.

"Nothing. I was just lost in thoughts. Never mind," she evaded and forced a smile.

Zero forced one, too. Deep inside he knew what she was thinking about. He had thought about that, too for the last month or so. Still he believed he had found a way they could stay together for eternity if only she wished so. But now was not the time. The ball would start in three hours and he knew Yuuki would want to look perfect for him. He didn't tell her she already did because she wouldn't believe him. He got up.

"So shall we go and doll ourselves up for the ball?" he joked, trying to lighten Yuuki up. It worked. This time the smile was real and hearty.

"Yes," she agreed, got up and took his hand.

Time was running. The remaining hours left for us to dress for the ball rushed past then. Sooner than they might like it it was time to go. Traditionally the two guardians were supposed to pick up the Night Class at the Moon Dorm and lead them to the building were the classes were held but also greater events were hold up in the large hall. The gates opened and Yuuki and Zero started to lead their vampire friends along the path with fangirls at each of their sides. Like always the human girls were screaming like crazy when they saw the incredibly good-looking elite students. They didn't even mind that some of them were already stuck in a serious relationship.

They were walking in rows with two. Aidou was alone and looked around for his cousin Kain. He found him a few feet before him talking eagerly and quietly to Shiki.

"And you think that'll work? I don't know how she'll react," said Shiki insecurely.

"Don't worry," Kain replied. "I don't think it'll go wrong. You're prepared, aren't you? You practiced, right?"

"Yeah, but..."

He stopped dead when he felt Aidou approach.

"Hey, Akatsuki! Hi Shiki! What's with you two? Being all secret here?"

"It's none of your business," Shiki avoided.

"Oh, come on. You can trust me. Please, tell me. I'm curious," Aidou insisted.

"Hanabusa, look, your girlfriend's over there," Kain distracted his cousin.

Aidou quickly let his gaze wander around to find Yori waving at him.

"Oh, thank you, Akatsuki. See you later, guys!" he said and went to say hello to Yori.

Kain and Shiki just wanted to return to their discussion when their two girlfriends Rima and Ruka who were walking in front of them looked back at them.

"What's wrong?" Shiki asked as innocent as he could as an actor.

"Nothing," Rima sighed and she and Ruka turned to the front again, now whispering themselves.

"I wonder what's so important they have to keep talking about it all the time," Rima said.

"They behave like children. They absolutely don't want us to listen."

They both shook their heads in misunderstanding.

Yuuki and Zero were passed by Aidou, heading for Yori. They didn't mind that he was in front now. Smiling they watched him kissing her classmate. They both still remembered clearly the day the two started going steady with each other.

FLASHBACK

It was the last day of the school year that was finished with a ball as well. Yuuki was asked by Kaname for a dance and accepted it.

"I'll go get something to drink in the meantime," Zero said. "Much fun you two."

At the bar he met Yuuki's friend and roommate Yori.

"Good evening, Zero-kun."

Zero turned around to her.

"Oh, hello, Yori. You're having fun?"

"Yes, very much, thank you." She nodded. "May I ask you a favor?"

"Depends on what kind of favor it is," Zero said but smiled. "What's it about?"

Yori told him quickly and Zero started to laugh. However the laugh was not hurting or anything else. It was relaxed and merry.

"Idol-sempai?" He grinned. "Sure, I can ask him. Well, I wouldn't have thought you of all people would be one of his fans."

"I'm not a fan" Yori protested sharply. "I just want to dance with him."

"I see," Zero said. "Well, come on then.

They went over to Aidou who was already surrounded by a horde of girl who all wanted to dance with him. They would never again get the opportunity.

"Aidou-sempai."

Aidou whose hands were locked with the ones of several girls turned around to Zero.

"Oh, hello, Kiryuu-kun. You're having a good night?"

"Yes, it's great. Well, maybe you could make it great for one of my friends as well," Zero said and stepped aside so Aidou could see Yori. Seeing her Aidou started to beam.

"Yori-chan! Hello!" He seemed to be very happy about seeing her. At once he had let go of all the other girls so his hands were free to greet Yori.

Pleased with himself Zero let the two alone and walked away. After a few steps Yuuki returned.

"Hi," Zero smiled. "Kaname left already?"

"Yes," Yuuki answered. "He said he just wanted this single dance with me. Now I'm yours for the rest of the night."

She beamed at him.

They started dancing again. A little while later Zero watched another happy couple over Yuuki's head.

"You've missed something while you were gone," he told Yuuki.

"Yeah? And what?"

"Are you in for a surprise?"

"Sure."

"Fine. Here it comes," said Zero and about-faced with her. Yuuki stared clueless through the crowd when she found what Zero was talking about.

"Idol-senpai and Yori-chan!"

That was really a surprise for her. Or was it? She watched Aidou holding Yori dearly when she recalled something.

"How long have they been dancing?"

"For a while. Since you were gone. Yori asked me to talk to him."

"Aidou-senpai must have been very happy about it," Yuuki said subtly.

"Yes, he has. Wait, how do you know? Did I miss anything?"

"You did." Yuuki grinned. "Aidou asked me some months ago if it was okay for a vampire to be together with a human as long as he was in control and took the tablets carefully. He must have thought about Yori."

"Well, then he must have had her in mind for quite a long time now. When did they get to know each other?"

"Back then when Rido terrorized the school I didn't want to leave Yori behind and then Kaname had ordered Aidou to take Yori away for safety. That must have been the moment."

END OF FLASHBACK

They entered the hall which was now full of people. As soon as everyone was there the music started and Yuuki and Zero were asked to open the dance as guardians. They entered the dance floor. Zero took Yuuki's hand into his and smiled lovingly down at her. Then they started dancing a slow waltz. Soon they were followed by the other alumni couples, Aidou and Yori, Rima and Shiki, Ruka and Kain who were all lost in happiness, and everyone else. It was a typical but nice ball which they all enjoyed. After a while the music stopped and the director Kurosu took the microphone.

"Let me have your attention, please. I have an announcement to make to the Guardians and the Night Class as well. Please meet me in the right corner of the hall. Thank you."

He put the mic down and went into the corner of the hall. The vampires followed him and arranged themselves in a circle around him. They were all chatting curiously with their friends. None of them what was going to happen. Yuuki met the eyes of the adoptive father whose eyes were fixed on the entrance. One minute later he smiled. Everyone who knew them didn't have to turn around to find out who had just entered.

"O-nii-sama..."

But it wasn't only Kaname who walked up to them. He was accompanied by Seiren and Ichijou Takuma. They greeted Kurosu and shook his hand smiling. Now Ruka and Kain joined them, confusing everyone even more. They spoke a few words to each other, quietly so that the students wouldn't be able to catch it. Then they turned to the vampires, all of them, aside from Seiren, smiling. Kurosu started to speak.

"Well, I know the life as a vampire is much likely better than the one of human. However, there are also some disadvantages coming along. It is possible for a pure blood to jinx a vampire so his/her vampire existence will be hidden inside them. This might be a great opportunity for all those who happened to become a vampire against their own will and might end up as a Level E. It is in fact a way to save them. For over year now the council of vampires has been working on this idea and now they have finally succeeded. They have created a serum containing this power to turn a vampire human and tested it on Level Es successfully. Those people you can see here at my side have been students of this academy once. Let us thank them for their great effort and celebrate their success with a great applause for them!"

He started clapping his hands happily and the vampires joined in. Yuuki cheered and smiled at her brother. She was very proud of him. She knew he had been pretty busy for the last year but she had never figured he would work on something like this.

Sometime the clapping faded away and Kurosu raised his voice for a last sentence.

"So if any of you is interested or knows someone who might he or she can turn to this people. The will be happy to help you."

At this point Yuuki took Zero's hand and raised.

"Well, I know someone who definitely is," she stated.

"Yuuki, what are you doing?" Zero asked her. He was slightly embarrassed but Yuuki didn't care.

"It's true, isn't it? You never wanted to become a vampire ever. You always hated them. Well, why not, you're a born hunter after all. Wouldn't you like being all human again? This is a chance for you."

Zero was almost speechless.

"Yuuki..."

"Of course, Kiryuu-kun will be the first one on the list," Kurosu said smiling.

"Make that two," Yuuki added.

Everyone was looking at her in awe.

"Yuuki!?" Kaname and Zero said in unison.

"Yuuki, you can't be serious," Kaname said.

"Yes, I can," she contradicted. "Actually I've never been so sure in my life. I know I'm a born pure blood vampire and I should be proud about that. But I lived the life as a human for ten years. I can tell it wasn't that bad. I've spent most of my life and youth as that human and even now that I am a vampire I actually prefer it." She went to Kaname and took his hand. "I'm so proud of being your sister. You will always be my brother. Nothing will change about that. If you still want me to be sister, that is..."

There was silence falling between them. Everyone stared at them and anticipated Kanames answer. Zero eyes narrowed.

"Of course, Yuuki. You're right. Nothing will change about it. We're family no matter what," he said and embraced her.

Many people smiled, among them Kurosu and Zero. Zero and Kaname had actually stopped hating each other the moment Kaname had returned. They were respecting each other, not fighting once.

The music started again and the ball continued. Yuuki said goodbye to Kaname and the others and returned to Zero then, joining in his smile. Kaname and Seiren left. Ichijou who had actually planned to accompany them was stopped by some girls who remembered him from former times and asked him to dance with them. Aidou was standing alone with a little distance from everyone else deeply lost in thoughts. He looked at Yori then at Ichijou. He sighed and went over to his friend.

"Takuma?"

"Oh, hi, Aidou. Wanna join in?" Ichijou asked merrily as he was dancing with ten girls at a time in a circle.

"Oh no. I'm sorry, could I talk to you for a moment. It kinda is important," Aidou said.

"Oh. Yeah. Sure. I'm sorry, girls. I'll be back I'll promise."

They left the crowd and looked for a quiet spot where no one would listen.

"What's wrong, Hanabusa?" Ichijou asked.

"Well... I kinda am... interested... in your serum," Aidou stammered.

Ichijou's eyes widened.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, I am."

"Well." Ichijou frowned. "We have tested it on Level Es. It is actually for vampires who have been former humans like Kiryuu Zero. We just did it for Yuuki because first she's Kaname's sister and second she had been a human once too so we know it will work without consequences. But we never have tested it on nobles who have always been vampires. I don't know if there will be any risks to be honest. Are you really willing to take that risk?" Ichijou asked him concerned.

Aidou looked over at Yori who was still waiting for her. Ichijou followed his gaze. A smile crossed his lips.

"Is it for her?"

Aidou nodded. "Yes, it is. I love her with all of my heart. I would want to spent eternity with her if I could but... I'm a vampire. I am taking the tablets but they don't guarantee you can stand up to your instincts in severe situations, can they?"

Ichijou shook his head. "No, they can not."

"Right. And then there's another aspect I've come to think about. I will never able to spent eternity with her because she is human and will die before me except I bite her but I would never want that. And... I don't think I could bear it to see her growing old and die before me. I couldn't..."

His look lingered on Yori who was still waiting for him.

"Well," Ichijou sighed. "You understand that I need to Kaname about this first."

"Yes, of course."

"Okay, I will do that then. I'll tell about his opinion to it, okay?"

"Yeah, thank you very much, Takuma," Aidou replied smiling brightly.

"Now go. Don't let her wait any longer."

Aidou didn't need to be told that twice. He said goodbye to Ichijou and returned to Yori. He didn't even let her ask what he was doing but hugged her quietly.

Zero and Yuuki as well as Kain and Ruka, Ichijou and Rima and Shiki watched him.

"I wonder what they was talking about," Zero pondered.

"I think, I know," Yuuki said. Zero looked at her. "What?"

"I don't like to admit it but sometimes your extrasensory perception makes me shiver."

They laughed and continued dancing.

A few hours later they entered Zero's bedroom. Both of them were really tired. They dropped on Zeros bed and closed their eyes.

"Tired?"

"Uh-huh."

"Well, I hope you're not that tired," Zero suddenly said and got up.

"Zero, what are you doing?" Yuuki asked, opened her eyes and dropped her jaw when she found Zero kneeling in front of her. She quickly straightened herself up. "Zero..."

He took her hand in his. In the other hand he was holding an open little box with a ring in it and then he started.

"Yuuki, we have been knowing each other for more than five years now. Since the day we met you've always been a very close friend of mine. You were always there for me. Always. Together we went through so much in the past and together we made it to get healthy out of it. And today you're still always there for me whenever I need you. I don't even need to ask. You know it at once. Yuuki, you're the most beautiful, caring person I've ever known and I want to spent the rest of my life with you. I love you with all of my heart and now I'm standing here asking you, Kuran Yuuki: Do you want to become my wife Kiryuu Yuuki?"

He looked into her big, brown eyes, waiting for an answer. At first they were torn up wide because she had been clearly surprised by this but then they narrowed and became soft. Her lips formed a wide smile when she said "Yes, I do."

Zero smiled too when he put the ring on her finger and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around him, kissing him back. She wondered if for the other one this night found an as wonderful end.

It did. Without her knowing three vampires asked their girlfriend that night. That night Kain and Ruka as well as Rima and Shiki became fiancés, and Aidou showed Yori that he wanted to never leave her side when he told her he would become a human for her.