A/N: Ok, so seriously, how many of you were surprised to see that this story was updated? (ducks from flying objects). First, I want to apologize to all reviewers, followers, and favoriters. I did not expect for this story to go on the hiatus it did, and I can imagine how sad it might have been or irritating it must have felt for it to go on one. Let me apologize. Life-promotion at work, the unforeseen acquisition of a beau, and a laptop crash which sent my original manuscript into oblivion- has forced me to succumb to the greatest foe I feel any author faces: adult life. Yes, a lame excuse, but truly, my love for this tale didn't wane even when my energy and time for it did. But now, due to a particularly inspiring private message that proved to be the tipping point of my growing want to finish this tale, I am back to attempt to finish THE VAMPIRE AND THE GUARDIAN!
As previously stated, this story will contain noncon, and some dubcon. It will include mpreg. It will include gore. It will include suspense! It will stray from parts of the source material, including some characters' histories! But in this chapter, it will include heated discussion and emotion. I hope that most of all it will prove to be at least partially worth the wait. So, without further ado and with a further mentioning that I intend to make no profit from this tale whatsoever, I provide for you Chapter 3 of The Vampire And The Guardian: The Cost of Control!
Kaname's fangs grit together in frustration as he studied Zero's determined face. His dilemma was clear: he would either have to kill Kiryu before the Level E became a true threat or he would have to try to bid to win Zero. He picked up Rose's collar slowly from where he'd placed it on the table, and even without looking at it he began running his fingers over it, knowing every groove, every point, every jewel. As he ran his thumb over the "K" of the collar, he let a deep breath out, not through his mouth but through his nose, making him seem more irritated than tired when in truth he was both. Unfortunately, it was no true dilemma. His only choice was obvious: he would have to bid on Zero.
No matter how much joy killing Zero would give him, no matter the ecstasy he knew would come from putting an end to the Vampire that had been a thorn in his side from the beginning, there was no way he could kill the Level E. It was something he'd thought of. After all, had he not just moments ago thought of it and wrestled the Turner in an attempt to bring about Kiryu's end? With all the irritation that Zero had caused for him, nothing would please him more than to crouch over the dying Level E, the Ex-Hunter's body broken and bruised, holding Zero's chest under one hand and forehead down with the other as he bit and sucked hungrily at the Level E's neck. He knew without a doubt that he could do it. Zero was strong, but Kaname knew he could be stronger. And yet, in spite of the happiness that would cause, he wouldn't be able to do it, no matter how much he very well could.
He couldn't, not while knowing how devastating it would be for Yuki should she ever find out. He growled slightly at that thought. The girl was beautiful, and he loved his sister dearly, but she could be frightfully naïve of danger and the need to eliminate it. Even after said danger had just sank its fangs into her once, almost twice. He frowned at Zero. Nothing made him more irritated than being able to easily eliminate an insolent irritant like Zero, and be held back by the one person he could never forgive himself for hating. And as Zero frowned back at him, his face set firm in determination, it only made him want to lash out at the Level E all the more.
After all, even though his choice was obvious, it didn't mean that he approved of it. Rose had been just a slave to many eyes, but to Kaname she had been the ultimate protector. Always kind yet firm, she set a bar that in his rebellious nature Zero fell far short of reaching. To own him would be an insult to her memory, not to mention a source of irritation for Kaname. It would be terrible, with Zero fighting him with his foolish pride every step of the way. Unless he could make Zero a counter offer . . . Gripping the collar in one hand, flicking at a ruby rose with the thumbnail of his left hand, he leaned back, crossing his arms and frowning at Kiryu, "Very well, I will bid on you and attempt to own you. But if I do that, which will most likely cost me quite a bit, I will require more from you, Zero."
Zero frowned harder at him. Kaname would be getting him as a slave. Someone to boss around, to force to bend to his wishes. He couldn't imagine the hell that would cause. Not only would he depend on Kaname for the control he desperately wanted, but any time Kaname wanted, wouldn't the Pureblood just be able to grab Zero and sink those fangs in his neck? He grit his teeth and reaching up, fingered the wounds that Kaname had caused earlier. It sent a chill down his spine, the thought of being Kaname's blood bank whenever the Pureblood pleased. And yet still Kuran wanted more? What more could the greedy bastard need? Zero leaned back, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes at Kaname, "Oh really. Blood whenever you want it and the right to boss me around . . . or try too, anyway. What more could you possibly require?" he hissed the last, barring his fangs at the Vampire Lord.
Kaname chuckled and flicking a perfect lock of chocolate away from his face, went on, "If you must know, as a high member of Vampire Society, I have a certain reputation to maintain. By associating with you and Cross in this venture, I risk my reputation based on how you are perceived at the auction. You must be polite, stylish, and exquisitely decadent, Kiryu. I want every Vampire to want to sink their fangs into you the moment they sense your presence. Better yet, I want myself to want to, in spite of knowing just how petulant and annoying you are. You are to allow yourself to be transformed into a prime item to bid upon. Any flaw in you reflects poorly on me, and I will NOT allow you to stain my reputation, no matter how I might benefit from your rabid instincts being harnessed and controlled. So, if I agree to bid on you and attempt to win you, you will allow me to prepare you for the auction. Anything I say goes, as it will help benefit your ultimate performance at the Auction. No questions asked. No objections made."
Zero blinked at him and tilted his head, biting the inside of his cheek as he mulled over what Kuran, in his perfectly insulting way, was demanding of him. Sucking in a deep breath, he let it out through his mouth. So, the Vampire Leader wanted him to go through physical improvements as well as mannerism changes for this twisted event? Fine. Maybe the first could be beneficial to him in the long run. While he did work out often and get plenty of exercise, he rarely got any sleep, and he knew that that took a toll on his body. And the latter . . . well, he would drop those mannerisms the minute the filthy Pureblood put that goddamn collar around his neck. "Fine," Zero muttered, narrowing his eyes at Kaname, "I'll put on a good little show for you and your sick friends."
Kaname smirked, and moving the hand with Rose's collar around to be held between them, nodded the object at Zero, "And if you," he moved the collar back towards himself, "Want me," he nodded the collar back at Zero, "To attempt to own you, Kiryu, you will follow that farce with an extensive encore." Zero frowned and straightened, blinking at Kaname as the Pureblood continued., leaning forward with closed, calm eyes as he set the collar on the table with a light thud, "I am not going to waste funds on someone who is an insolent, insulting brat of a slave, Kiryu. I hardly tolerate rebellion, and never from my own servants. And you will be less than even that. Sure, a little remark every now and again might be . . . entertaining, but should you become my slave, I expect compliance, Zero. That means minimal questioning, and never outright refusal, of my commands or my needs."
Zero snarled, barring his fangs at the Pureblood, and stood, glowering down at Kaname, who gazed calmly up at the enraged Level E. He knew that Zero wouldn't like what he had just said. He had known that when he'd gone over the words in his mind. But he also knew that he had no need to intimidate now. Zero was angry not just because of the request, but because he knew that there was no other choice. Ultimately, he would choose the lifestyle Kaname had just described. Kaname just had to let him have his chance to blow off some of that anger. And so he sat back and let Zero speak, "So you want me to be a quiet little servant, willing to bend his neck to your fangs whenever you should get a little thirsty?"
Kaname sneered, his pearly white fangs gleaming and eyes twinkling with hatred towards the Level E. But also in those red eyes sparked desire. He couldn't deny that the thought of drinking Kiryu's blood, especially when the Turner was awake and breathing rapidly at the drawing, was a tantalizing thought. He smirked at the teen, "I will not deny that your blood is decadent, Kiryu, something that I would greatly enjoy taking from you. I still have the wonderful taste of it on my tongue, reminding me of that." Zero's eyes gleamed red in his anger and he roared, "YOU FILTHY BLOODSUCKER! I DON'T WANT YOUR FANGS EVER NEAR MY NECK AGAIN!"
"And you're willing to let a stranger's fangs get within reach instead?" Kaname murmured, smiling calmly, one lip quirking up in a sort of half smirk. Zero grit his teeth and moved his hand up, lightly fingering the wounds on his neck yet again. The rage at Kaname for biting him there still lingered, but he didn't like the thought of a strange new Vampire sinking his fangs into him whenever they fancied. He barred his fangs in frustration.
He supposed that if it came down to it, he would prefer the devil he knew rather than the devils he didn't. Lowering his now purple gaze, he sighed, looking at the collar sitting on the table. He had tried to get the upper hand on Kaname many times now on this decision, but he was exhausted and couldn't argue any longer. He had to give in. That was the only way to get control, and to prevent himself from harming anyone, especially Yuki, ever again. Sighing he collapsed on the couch, fighting back tears of frustration. Kaname arched a prim eyebrow, the other side of his lips slowly beginning to quirk upwards. The unspoken "Well?" hung in the air.
"Alright," Zero whispered, unable to meet the other Vampire's gaze. "Alright. . . what?" Kaname muttered, the smirk finally being allowed to complete itself across his face. Finally, after what seemed like far too long, Zero was complying with what he wanted. Zero tensed, glancing up at Kaname through his bangs. With that awful smirk, it made the Vampire look even more like a demon. He gulped harder than ever. Every fiber of his being was telling him not to agree to this, and yet he and Kaname both knew that this was the only way to get what he wanted and to protect the one the both of them on some level cared for. He shifted nervously from one side to the other.
"Kaname, I hardly think this is necessary. . ." Cross whispered, blinking between the two male Vampires. He hated the way Kaname was drawing this out, and the discomfort it caused Zero. Hadn't the teen already suffered enough that night? "No," Zero whispered, his eyes gazing up at Kaname, frowning at the Pureblood as he addressed the Headmaster.
Kaname nodded, at least lowering his smirk to wear just a calm smile again, "Yes, I need to hear from Zero that he will comply. Only then can we move forward." Zero nodded, "Otherwise you won't bid on me one cent." "Exactly," Kaname remarked, "You are many things, Kiryu, and one of the things I do admire about you is that as far as you are able to be, you are a man of your word. Your word is binding, and it is something I can trust."
Zero sucked in a deep breath, "And it is the hardest part of accepting this decision for me. And you relish in it, don't you? It amuses you, how I've struggled with this decision to finally comply?" Kaname chuckled, "Well yes, it does please me to see you admit defeat to me, but truly, Kiryu, you are one of the few creatures I've met who honors his word. That is a rarity I relish and will enjoy now. You truly are an enticing breath of fresh air from the hypocrisy of the world we reside in. When you want to be."
Zero grit his teeth and reached out and slowly picked up the collar, running his fingers over the metal as he contemplated what he was about to say. He tried to focus on the positives, that Kaname had at least offered a compliment in his own twisted way, and tried to ignore from whom it came. "Alright, Kaname. If you bid and try to own me, I will allow you to prepare me for the auction, and will attempt to be complacent and of a good service to you should you purchase me, Kaname," he sat the collar firmly on the table, leaning back and hoping he wasn't making the worst decision of his life. He certainly felt like he was.
Kaname smiled calmly rather than smirk at Zero and nodded, whisking up the collar and tucking it safely into his pocket, "And, should you do as I say, I will treat you with as much respect as I feel you deserve, Kiryu." He held out a hand, and Zero thought that for a moment Kuran was offering him a hand shake, but instead, he saw a pen in that hand, fresh from the Vampire's pocket. He grit his teeth and slowly, shakily, took the pen and turned to the sheets of paper.
The next few moments were filled with the flipping of papers as Kaname leaned forward and began to flip through the Auction forms, pointing out where Zero was to sign. With each scrawled signature, Zero felt another lock close down on his soul. Every now and again, he glanced at the pocket with the collar. Any time he lingered Kaname cleared his throat, clearly wanting him to hurry. But he couldn't help but stare at that pocket. He doubted his would be as elegant, but should the plan work, he knew he would be wearing a collar of some kind some day. Was he truly hoping that it would be one with an ornate "K" right in the front., signifying who he was "bound" to? As he watched Kaname's pale finger point towards each signature slot, he wondered if binding himself to Kaname was worth the control that collar had to offer. As his neck wounds tingled, he certainly hoped so.
Once the paperwork was all signed, Kaname stood, straightening the papers and marching to the door without so much as looking at Zero, calling over his shoulder, "Cross, you may say goodbye to Zero now. He will be in my care for the next week." Zero jerked his head around, blinking at Kaname, " 'Week'?" The thought of being in this den of monsters for that long was sickening to the former Hunter. Kaname paused at the door and turned to him, a look of slight irritation on his features, "Yes . . ." he muttered testily, "The next Auction will occur after a week's time. Hopefully, you will be ready before then. Although I must admit. . ." He curled his lips at Kiryu, eyes glinting dangerously before his lips-ever smooth with an unnatural grace-moved right back into the amused smirk he often gave the Ex-Hunter, "Given your current . . . mannerisms and lack of appeal, even that is a long shot." Zero frowned at him, narrowing his purple eyes venomously. He was about to say something in retort, but Kaname cut him off, forever taking control.
"If we are to prepare you properly, regardless, it must start immediately. So say your goodbyes, and let us move onward. Preferably before the sun rises." Kaname reached for the door without needing to look at it and opened it, and there was both Aido and Seiren. He turned to the two Vampires and smiled, first directing himself towards Seiren, "Ah, so the room is ready for young Kiryu? Good." She bowed deeply as he continued, "Aido," he slurred the words softly, and Aido snapped to attention, frowning intently at Kaname, eagerly waiting for orders. "Please take these papers and send them to the Jimusho Hando Federation Headquarters immediately. They have a new Turner to sell for me," he murmured calmly. Aido nodded quickly and took the papers, "I will have this in the mail by morning light, Lord Kaname!" Turning, he rushed off without another look. Kaname turned to Zero, "Say your goodbyes to Cross, Zero. Then you will come with Seiren and I. She will oversee your preparation for the Auction." Zero frowned, blinking, "And you won't?" Kaname smirked at him, "I would imagine that if all goes well, soon you will be with me more than you would ever like, Turner. Do you really want me to be by your side all of next week?" The silverette grit his teeth and bowed his head slightly, frowning at Kaname, "No, I think I could do with a short reprieve, Vampire." Kaname smirked, amusement flashing in his eyes, "It will take more than a week to put some respect in those eyes, but it's a good thing for you that I am up to the challenge." He snapped his fangs at Zero at that, giving him a menacing, dark look that sent a chill down the silverette's spine before turning, walking through the door and closing it behind himself, murmuring that Zero had five minutes before he would be required to follow. Zero watched the Vampire go then turned, leaning forward, putting his elbows on his knees and covering his face with his hands, "What have I gotten myself into?"
Kaname smirked at the closed door for a moment before turning to Seiren, who blinked at him with calm, emotionless eyes. "So, the room is ready? I take it you understood when Aido and Kain went to you what was going on?" She nodded, frowning stoically at the Pureblood, "Of course, Lord Kaname. The facilities are ready as you requested them to be should this circumstance arise." "And the appointments have been appropriately made?" Kaname remarked with a soft smile, reaching out and racing the tips of perfect finger tips through her straight, perfect silver hair. She was without a doubt the perfect porcelain doll. Perfectly pressed and cut, without a hint of negative emotion. Without a hint of any emotion, really. Kaname wished the Vampire could have a bit more, honestly, but as long as she suited his purposes, he would be fine with it.
As he let the hair fall from his fingers to let the locks slap lightly against her pale neck, she blinked at him with serious eyes, "Of course, Lord Kaname. No one refused to come at the short notice." Kaname chuckled, "Where would I be without someone as diligent as you, Seiren?" Seiren smiled calmly, an imitation of appreciation, "I am merely a tool for you, Lord Kaname. I am just pleased to be a useful one." Kaname chuckled and leaned in closer, and Seiren easily bent her neck away from him, revealing small pinprick scars on her neck. Racing a tongue along the pinpricks, he paused, breathing on her neck his cold breath, "Tell me, do you mind?" She only blinked, staring at the wooden door. Knowing that after a victory, there was nothing more that Lord Kaname would want but a drink, "Not at all, Lord Kaname."
The woman didn't even jolt as Kaname lined his fangs up and slowly sank them in with a low growl, hands moving to grip her shoulders tightly, holding the Vampire woman in place. Enjoying the feel of her blood moving over his tongue and down his throat. Knowing soon, he'd be sucking from another light haired vampire, and savoring the taste of victory. Not necessarily the one he had originally planned, but a victory nonetheless.
Cross leaned over once the door closed, rubbing his adopted son's back, "Zero, it'll all work out, ok? You'll make it through the week, go on the Auction Block, and Kaname will own you soon after. It won't be so bad." Zero turned to him, frowning at him, "That's easy for you to say. You're not about to be prepped and shown off like a fucking show pony to bidders who want nothing more than to eat me alive and suck me dry." Cross frowned at him, and reaching up, brushed bangs from Zero's forehead, "No, I won't, but I will check in on you during the week, and I will be there at the Auction with you. And later, since you will be with Kaname, I will see you then. Of course, Yuki will have to stay away. According to her, you will have run off on your own. It will take some convincing to make her believe that you are truly gone, but she will come around to the idea . . . with time." Zero grit his teeth. He knew that that was probably best for Yuki, but. . .
"I feel awful for what she'll have to go through to decide that, isn't there a way for me to at least write to her? Leave a note?" Cross frowned at him, and Zero gulped, gazing at the Headmaster with pleading eyes, "I could tell her not to try looking for me, that it's too dangerous." Even as he said it though, he knew that would do no good. Cross saw it too. "Zero, you know that for Yuki, a note wouldn't hinder her search for you, it would encourage her. It would be a challenge, and when it comes to staying by your side, my adopted daughter can be . . . stubborn." Zero hung his head, tears forming in his eyes, and shut his lavender eyes tightly. He knew Cross was right. He knew that just leaving would be best. But still, to lose his close friend while having to spend an eternity with Kaname Kuran? No matter how much control it provided to keep his Vampire side in check, the thought was sickening. And besides . . .
"What if he doesn't win me? I know Kuran has more resources than any other Vampire we know of, but what if. . . what if he's outbid?" he whispered. Cross grit his teeth, "Then we'll have to hope that you choose your Light and Dark lists carefully, Zero. And besides, whoever has to outbid Kaname would have to spend a pretty penny on you. Surely if they do that, they'll treat you better than most!" Zero sighed, and turned to the door. On the other side, the dark Vampire waited for him to walk through the door. Who knew what lay ahead of him? Suddenly, the smell of blood came to Zero. He tensed, hissing, his eyes glowing red. Blood was being drawn on the other side of the door. Damn, Kuran couldn't wait even that long? He reached up and put his palm to his neck.
"Zero," Cross whispered with a shaky tone that caused Zero to whip his head around and stare at the Headmaster. Tears streaked down the dirty blonde's face. The man leaned forward, and slowly enveloped Zero, cradling the teen's head as if it were made of precious glass, and hesitantly, Zero wrapped his own arms around the Ex-Hunter. Cross gripped him all the tighter, clenching his hand firmly around a portion of Zero's jacket, and sighed deeply, closing his eyes, "Zero, I never wanted this for you. You have to believe that. I want nothing more for you than a happy, fulfilling life. You're my son, whether you want to admit it or not, I consider you that. I wouldn't agree with this if I saw another option. I can't stand by and watch you degenerate into Level E status, Zero. I can't bear imagining you being hunted down like a rabid animal that needs to be put down before it hurts someone. But I can't allow you to be killed now instead. You have to understand what position I am in, Zero. Please, please understand."
Zero sighed deeply, a rattling breath, and closed his eyes, trying to push the haunting scent of blood from his mind, "I . . .I know. Promise me. . . Promise me that you will come visit me, if Kaname does end up with me?" "He will, Zero," Cross said firmly, and Zero choked out a weak sob at that. It filled him with despair that the Vampire Lord was his best hope. How could his life resort to this? Tears spilled out from closed eyelids as Cross pulled away, and Zero felt a warm cloth moving over his face. "Now, now, Zero. Calm down," Cross whispered. And Zero opened his purple eyes, his vision blurred with tears as the Headmaster gazed at him, sympathy in his hazel depths, "Zero, it will all work out, I promise you. It . . . it'll all be okay. . . You just wait and. . ." A knock to the door alerted them to Kaname's return, and Zero jerked around, staring at the door, his back having been to it.
Kaname's lip curled at the tears still streaming down the Turner's face, but he quickly composed himself, "Are you two finished? Zero, we have things to discuss with you." Zero gulped hard. He didn't want to leave with them, he didn't. But he knew that the longer he stayed, the harder it would be to leave. "Yes," he whispered, and turned to Cross, who had his mouth open, no doubt having been about to ask for a few more minutes, "I have to go with them. Thank you . . . Father." New tears came to the Headmaster's eyes, and Zero braced himself for the bear hug that came moments later. He grunted as it felt like Cross tried to squeeze the life out of him. Cross rocked him, "It means so much to hear you say that Zero! So much! Oh I love you, my boy!" Zero grunted and nodded, "Yeah . . .love you too." He gripped the man's shoulders and pushed him away, breathing in a deep gulp of fresh air. Cross smiled broadly at him and nodded through the tears, trembling in his effort to hold back, "Right. Enough is enough. I will show myself out, Kaname," he looked at the frowning, waiting Vampire Lord as he said the last.
Kaname nodded and turned to Zero, "Come, Kiryu." Zero gulped hard and grunting, stood up and turned to Kaname and the ever so silent Seiren, "Alright, let's go." Kaname nodded and turned, "I will lead, Seiren will follow you." Zero grit his teeth. The way the Pureblood spoke did not help ease his feeling of being trapped. Still, he forced himself forward, and was in no time following the Vampire Leader down the hallway beyond.
As they walked, Zero glanced around at the hallway of the Moon Dorm. He'd been in it before, but now he truly took it in. The dark walls seemed to impose upon him, the occasional portrait of a Pureblood Vampire gracing them. He bristled as he saw Shizuka Hio in one of the pictures, his eyes glowing red in anger as he barred his fangs. "I believe you know her?" Kaname remarked calmly from ahead of him, arms behind his back, hands clasped, pausing to gaze at the silver haired Vampire himself. "More than I would care to," Zero hissed, bitterness and acid in his voice, turning and glaring at Kaname, who had turned his head just slightly to glance at Zero.
"I suppose that that is a sore subject right now, isn't it? After all, if it weren't for her, you wouldn't be in this mess. You wouldn't even have met Yuki, or Headmaster Cross, for that matter. Oh how one event changes so much," Kaname murmured, an amused lilt in his voice as he turned his head back around, "Much like tonight. So much changes with one act. Wouldn't you agree?" Zero growled, but Seiren spoke up from behind him, "Of course, Lord Kaname." Zero turned, frowning at her, and Kaname continued, remarking just as Zero saw the flash of silver around Seiren's slender neck, "Thank you, Seiren. I don't think our friend here is up for polite conversation currently. It is a good thing that she is going to be advising you this week, Zero. Truly, while she is not nearly as impressive as Rose, she is quite the obedient slave." Zero stopped still, turned, and stared at Seiren. She had always been so quiet, always at Kaname's side. Now she gazed at him with emotionless eyes. Something a Level E would never do, certainly. Within Zero, emotions often raged with each other, drowning out all else. He gulped hard, and reaching up, raced the tips of some fingers along his neck. Where a collar would soon rest upon him. Is that what the collar did? Take away all emotion? "Lord Kaname is moving on," Seiren remarked coldly, blinking at him, "We need to follow." Zero gulped and turned, the iciness in her voice enough to urge him on. Kaname had in fact walked forward three feet, and now turned and watched him, studying him. Zero tried to set his jaw, his suddenly frightened eyes on Kaname. Control's price seemed to grow every minute.
A/N: So, what do you lot think? Good? Bad? Believable? Be honest! What did you like, what did you dislike? I would love to hear from all of you! Truly though, I hope you have enjoyed reading this chapter. And yes, it did have a lot of talking and emotion. And the next chapters will be mostly prep work, literally. I hope that you will enjoy it all the same, and as a quick note: though I won't have much time to work on it, I DO have the beginning two pages of the next chapter's rough draft typed up already! So I will start work ASAP! Thank you for your patience, I definitely appreciate it! Good Day. :)