Pizzicato

Author's Note/Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight.

Concerto

"I don't see why we have to attend a council meeting today, father," Rido grumbled as he fixed his tie.

The Council of Ancients announced a meeting regarding the purebloods, particularly, the Kurans. Of course, the only person who would have such interest in the purebloods, would be none other than Asato Ichijou.

Dusk was settling quickly, as the middle of winter approached. The sun was hidden behind a curtain of orange and azure colored clouds, as it faded rapidly behind the horizon.

"You seem eager to attend this meeting," Rido commented, turning to his younger brother.

A rather sleepy Haruka stared at him sheepishly. "Do I look interested?" he asked, rubbing his neck. Sneering from a distance, Rido noticed a light puncture wound that lightly scarred his brother's pale skin.

"Did you bite yourself?"

"Ha, ha, very funny," he replied. "No. The score's one-to-two-to-one."

Grinning crookedly, Rido turned his attention away from his brother. "Funny, how you say that with confidence."

--

The carriage ride was long and bumpy. Seated within the burgundy interior, an unexcited Rido, an uninterested Haruka, and an agitated Mr. Kuran, who eyed both of his sons, as they dozed off towards the night sky.

"What is wrong with the both of you?" he demanded in a growl.

"Nothing is wrong," Haruka stated. He continued to stare at the slow paced scenery.

"Oh, something is wrong!" Mr. Kuran suspected. He had never seen his children this quiet.

Rido laughed. "You're beginning to sound like mother!"

Embarrassed, Mr. Kuran dropped the subject. "The council would like to speak with the both of you. I am simply your escort."

"I don't think we need escorts," Haruka muttered under his breath.

--

"Master Kuran."

Politicians and council members filled the room with low chatter and loud debates. The room held on to a pale gray color, as the moonlight impaled through the high arched, crystal windows. Council members were seated in large lacquer pews, under thousands of glittering jeweled chandeliers that were elegantly crafted and reflected off of the alabaster marble floor. Seated in the middle of the grand hall at an oblong, wrought iron table, were none other than the elders.

"Crowded, isn't it?"

"We meet again, Hikaru Ichijou," Rido replied with much enthusiasm.

Hikaru smiled sweetly. "It is a pleasure."

Haruka shuffled his way towards a seat that was isolated in the corner.

"Silence!" Asato ordered. The atrium was completely silent.

"Tonight's agenda," a councilman boomed, "the mysterious disappearance of council member, Hiroki Aidou."

The crowd broke out a low, but audible chatter, which caused Asato Ichijou to shift uncomfortably in his seat. From the corner of the room, Haruka witnessed all that was going on.

"I object to this topic!" one audience member proclaimed, standing.

"I second that!" another followed.

Soon, the plague of chatter returned, and debates broke out as politicians began pointing fingers at one another, accusing each and everyone of conspiring against the Aidou House.

"Silence!"

The plague of debates, gradually grew into an unruly riot, as vampires began to bare their fangs at one another, while growling and snarling threats and curses.

"SILENCE!" Asato stormed as he knocked his chair over.

Silence washed over the room as the intimidated vampires eased back into their seats.

"Like dogs, they obey their master," Rido whispered loud enough for Hikaru to hear. Eyeing Rido, Hikaru shifted the weight of his left leg over to his right. "Take note of that."

"Oh...is that a suggestion?"

Hikaru smirked. "A comment."

Rido laced his fingers together and relaxed into his seat, keeping his eye on Hikaru. "Note taken."

--

"That was a lousy meeting," Haruka mumbled as he stepped out of the carriage. He turned his head both ways, as if something--or someone was watching him. "Hm."

"Welcome back, Master Haruka," a butler bowed. Nodding his head, Haruka turned on his heel and made his way to his study.

"Haruka!" Juuri exclaimed as she threw her arms around him. Toppling over on to his left side, Haruka caught himself before he fell over.

"How cute, you're excited to see me," he greeted monotonously.

The princess frowned. "You're rude as always."

Prying his sister off of him, Haruka quickly strode to his room.

"How adorable," Rido teased as he picked up a few of Juuri's brunette locks. His breath tickled her ear as she flinched.

"Oh."

Rido chuckled. "Your hair smells even sweeter," he replied, kissing the tresses. He kissed his way through the sweet smelling hair, until he reached the back of Juuri's neck.

"Don't, Rido," she pleaded.

"No one's going to notice."

Juuri felt a surge of fear jolt through her veins as Rido's lips moved sensually against her delicate, cream-colored skin. Her heart stopped beating completely, as if someone had stabbed her. Frozen in place--in time, she didn't have time to react.

--

Placing the Queen in front of the King, Haruka tipped the King over in one swift movement.

"Checkmate," he muttered to himself. Sighing, he uncrossed his legs and sauntered over to the window, pulling back the drapes. His eyes narrowed as distant screeching was heard. Something--or someone's nails were clawing at something...particularly glass. Hissing, Haruka's eyes changed from a light hazel to a brilliant crimson. Sniffing the air, a growl was swelling in his chest as the screeching continued.

Moving back to the glass chest set he was playing with earlier, he grabbed the King and the Queen and placed them into the palm of his hand.

"You can't kill me that way."

Crushing the pieces, his palm relaxed as he unveiled the glittering particles. Allowing the pieces to seep between his fingers, he allowed the blood to drip as well, creating a glittering pile of sweet-smelling scarlet.

With silence...

--

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Note: This chapter may have been boring. I'm sick, and I apologize. --