Title: Visitors from the Future
Genre: General/Romance/Friendship
Rating: T
Pairings: Zero/Kaname
Disclaimer: No, I do not own Vampire Knights. It belongs to Hino Matsuri - I only borrow the characters from the series and use it in my own fic. However, I do own the three original characters featured in this story.
Author's notes: I would have KanZe in here, I promised… and this chapter Shiki made a re-appearance.
Chapter 42 – The first step taken to build a future…
Zero Kiryuu had just managed to send the twins off to their room for a nap of sort, and instructing for Risa to keep an eye on them. A quick glance to the clock situated atop of the work desk of the Kuran's Study, told him that it would be noon soon. Akane had long arrived back from the supermarket about an hour ago, and was now napping in the room she would be sharing with Yuuki.
Closing his eyes briefly for a second, Zero allowed his heighten sense to guide him to where Kaname was. Eventually, the silver-haired guardian found the pureblood staring out at the window in their 'shared' room. Yes – they are sharing a room now, much to Zero's discomfit.
"Kaname, you have been staying awake for far too long. Your body need to rest, you know?" Zero interjected flatly, when he entered the room he was due to share with the former.
"Zero…I could say the same for you too." Kaname replied, as he reached a hand out to pull his silver-haired lover into his embrace.
Inhaling the scent of the lavender smell shampoo from the top of Zero's head, Kaname sighed in contentment. He was finally free from the night-mare that has been plaguing him for years, Rido Kuran and Ichijo Asato were both gone now. All his assets were now rightfully back in his own control; he would have no need to bow down to anyone else in future.
"Ooi, Kaname Kuran – Don't you dare to fall asleep on me just yet…" Zero started in warningly.
"Why…?" Kaname asked sounding husky as he buried his head into the shoulder's of his mate.
"Because you need to step into the shower, and get your-self cleansed up. I am not having you on my bed until you are done with your shower for today." Zero said in a steel-like manner, before he removed himself forcefully from the pureblood's embrace.
"…Still, that was actually my bed you are hogging on – right now." Kaname arched an eyebrow up in response to Zero's words.
"Ok fine, I amended my statement – you are not joining me in bed until you are done with the shower." Zero huffed in annoyance as he took a seat on the left side of the bed, glaring at the pureblood as he throws his words across.
"I didn't know you are so particular about showering before bed…" Kaname mused aloud, seems like there's always something new that he learnt about the silver-haired teen every time they interacted with one another.
"So now you know!" Zero throws back in a flat-like manner, totally unfazed by the pureblood's teasing remarks.
"Okay… fine, anything for you – my dear. If you want me to take a shower, that's what I would be doing. Perhaps, you would like to join me in there?" Kaname suggested, only successful in his attempt to irk Zero further.
"Absolutely not, there's no way I am going to join you in the showers." Zero blatantly refused to oblige Kaname's request of taking a shower together, he had yet to forget that was exactly how they had ended up consummating their bond to one another – several days ago.
Granted he had been somehow willing the other time it happen, but there was no way he would allowed another attempt of the same deed being done in the bathroom – again. That one time memory was enough to last him for the entire lifetime.
Kaname Kuran watched in amusement as his lover's face turned beet red upon his suggestion before he was roughly shoved into the open doorway of the bathroom by the embarrassed teen; following suit was the 'slam' of the bathroom door – separating them both from one another. Not wanting to let the pureblood have a chance to pull him into the bathroom again, the silver-haired hunter wasted no time in his act of leaving the room completely – going off to check on the twins instead.
Upon the sound of his bedroom's door slamming shut, Kaname Kuran allowed a rich sound of laugh to emit from his throat. Looks like he won't be getting 'it' tonight, not when his newly acquired 'wife' character in his life was still feeling embarrassed of it all together. Oh well, he supposed he could still afford to wait a few more days for another round with Zero. Pushing the silver-haired teen now would only ended up with nasty effects; he would have to go slow about it then.
Shiki Senri awoke to the first sound of his mobile phone blaring alive, a glance towards the bed where his best friend was still peacefully in slumber. Shiki pressed the phone gadget to his ear as he answered the call.
"Yes, Ichijo Vice-President – what's the matter now? Why are you calling me at freaking 9.a.m. in the morning?" The lanky model asked, sounding really annoyed by the fact that his sleep was rudely interrupted.
"Where are you now? Kaname sends Seiren out to locate you two, but she can't find either of you when she reached that hotel that you said." Ichijo Takuma sounded slightly worried on the other end of the line, and Shiki took a moment to recall the incident from the night before.
"Ah…Sorry, I forgot to inform that we would not be in last night. We got a call from the agent informing us to do a photo-shoot after we hang up on you, yesterday afternoon. It must have slipped my mind to call you back about it." Shiki answered, meekly while Ichijo Takuma let out an air of exasperation through the phone.
"Gees, text me the address of that hotel – I'll go over and get the two of you now!" The green eyed blond muttered aloud, before hanging up on the model.
"…" Shiki Senri stared at the phone and blinked several times, before giving up entirely on the idea of sleeping. Turning to his side, where his best friend slept soundly – Shiki Senri reached a hand out and gently shook the girl awake.
"Rima…wake up and get ready, Ichijo's on his way over to pick us up – you can sleep again when we reaches the Kuran's estate." Shiki Senri told his best friend, Touya Rima.
Back in the Kuran's estate, Zero Kiryuu was in the midst of getting 'breakfast' ready when he received a call from Fujiwara Sayaka informing him that there would be a meeting pertaining to the discussion of Fujiwara Haruto's fate – that very night in the Kyoto's estate and that it would be best for him to be present for the event.
"Is there a need for Ichiru to be present?" Zero asked, setting the phone call function on speaker mode so he can prepare the breakfast same time as he chat with the caller on the other end of the line.
"No, not exactly – but he may come if he wishes to. The main thing here is – you must be there. Also, we have decided on the person to be his guard – can you let me know whether he's coming before the meeting commences tonight?" The caller had kindly requested.
"I'll call you back in five." That's all Zero had said before he proceeded to call up Wakaba Sayori to inform Ichiru of the matter, and get back to him as soon as possible.
Meanwhile in the Cross Academy, Kaien Cross was equally vexed by the recent happenings. The hunters Association were obviously in a state of shambles, and he personally had a dozen of crimes being piled atop of his head. Issues relating to bringing in vampires into a public school and failure to keep their existence a secret so on and so forth. With the Chairman of the Association dead and the Vice-Chairman on the total opposite side of his co-existence ideals – and he nearly got arrested following the end of the battle too.
Reason why he could still be here though, he supposed he had to thank his lucky stars. The plot of land which Cross Academy was built upon, its ownership belongs to a fellow Fujiwara Clan member. With the presence of Fujiwara Yuka and Fujiwara Yumi with them back then, the hunters whom came under the lead of the now dead Chairman of the Association can't really do much. Operation of the school might befall on the shoulders of Kaien Cross, but the landlord was the Fujiwara – and not to forget the funding behind the school's operations were the Kuran.
The academy might have initially been the headquarter buildings for Hunters Association but so what?! It still does not changes the fact that the piece of land the building was built atop falls under the ownership rights to the Fujiwara Clan, the key-word here is the self-governing rule for the said clan members. Kaien Cross really had it in him to show his respect for these Fujiwara members – they got all the loopholes checked and covered. They even send in legal people to explain to the Vice-Chairman of the Association – pointing out a dozen valid reasons why Kaien Cross could not be penalized under this situation.
The best part here – the Fujiwara took back the land for private use, and still allowed Chairman Cross to run the school. In fact, the school could still be named Cross Academy – the only amendments made were that they are going to merge a part of their current private academy into the school faculty. Hence, the workers were called in as soon as the disputes with the association were being settled – to rebuild the academy. The grounds would of course be expanded, and academic building to heighten and expand in classroom size in order to fit the new onslaught of students that would be joining in from next term onwards.
In terms of the school dormitories wise, aside from the current Sun and Moon Dormitories. A new dormitory building would be built in order to host more students in the campus ground – and the name for that new dormitory would be titled the 'Star' Dorm. Now Kaien Cross was staring at the layout blueprint for the literally new campus in awe, all the facilities in the academy had been replaced under the generosity of the new investor – Fujiwara Yuka.
"Chairman Cross, don't mind me saying this – but care to close your mouth? It's unbecoming for you to gape and stare like a fish." Ichiru Kiryuu spoke up, snapping the man's attention back to the silver-haired teen seated on the sofa couch of his residence area.
"Aww… Ichi-chan, don't be so nasty to me like how Zero-chan is…Can't you treat me with a little respect?" Chairman Cross started yet another stupid episode of his whine, only successful in getting a glare from the silent teen.
"Care to address me by my actual name and not that ridiculously stupid nickname that you deemed it suitable to bestow upon me?!" Ichiru snarled, wishing very much that he could just strangle that man and be done with it all.
"…" Wakaba Sayori stood on the outside of the door, wondering if she should step in now or not. She had just ended a call with Akane, and was going to seek permission to leave for a short period of time and also to inquire on Ichiru's thoughts pertaining to the issue. Still, she hesitated about the idea of stepping through the threshold – she had no inclination to be caught in between one of the Chairman's dramatic act to 'soften' up Ichiru, again.
"Wakaba Sayori, why the hell are you standing out there like a wooden block?" Ichiru Kiryuu's sudden voice caused the hazel brown haired girl to snap her eyes up in shock.
"I apologized; I was caught up with my thoughts." Sayori responded, in a monotone manner.
"So care to enlighten me behind your reason for coming over?" Ichiru prompted, he knew Sayori was here to supervise him under his elder twin's order. Why though, he had no idea – perhaps Zero just feared that he might be suicidal hence the girl's presence to supervise him.
"There's a meeting, and Zero required my presence at the site. Also, he said to ask if you are coming along for the trip. He says – the elders had decided on a suitable guard candidate for you, and if you are not going over – they would be sending the person directly here to report for duty." Wakaba Sayori said, calmly – directing her words to the younger Kiryuu twin.
"…I'll go, tell them to save the trouble. When and where would be the meeting taking place?" Ichiru questioned then.
"It will be taking place tonight at 7.p.m. over at the Kyoto's estate…" Sayori answered, honestly.
Ichiru Kiryuu then proceeded to stand and make a move to leave the area; the time now though is only 10 a.m. but the distance from here to Kyoto would take him probably about 5 hours. By the time, he reached Kyoto – it would be around 3.p.m. in the afternoon if he set off now. But he still needs a shower before setting off, and probably some food in his system first. With a sigh, he decided to get himself ready for the trip.
"Ichiru…?" A questioning tone came from the ex-hunter seated behind his table, with the blueprint drawing still in front of him.
"I'm taking a shower, and then probably fix something up for myself in the kitchen. Was there anything you need?" Ichiru throws over his shoulders at the lunatic Chairman who seemed to have decided to one-sidedly 'adopt' him too.
"Some coffee might be good…" The Chairman interjected, it was too early for his lunch anyway.
"I'll have Wakaba bring it over in a short while." That was all Ichiru had said before heading for the direction of his 'room' to get ready for a shower.
Zero placed the 'breakfast' in front of Akane, whom had just emerged from upstairs as he joined the girl at the dining table about the same point of time.
"Good morning…" Akane greeted as she took a sip out from her glass of orange juice.
"Good morning, Yuuki's still sleeping?" Zero asked, seeing as Akane now shared the same room with the ex-female guardian. Speaking of which, he honestly hoped that the Chairman had in mind to choose another guardian for the duty when school re-opened. Yuuki could hardly qualify for the role now that she's awakened to her pureblood heritage and Akane could only handle it for short-term period.
"Yes, obviously her body clock had converted itself into the nocturnal lifestyle of the vamps already." Akane replied, suppressing a yawn as she said so.
"Akane, there's no school for you today – you can sleep in if you want." Zero noted the dark circles under the girl's eyes, and commented.
"I know… but old habits die hard. I'll just sleep in earlier tonight, the past 120 hours hasn't exactly been great for me." Akane responded dryly.
"I understand; it hasn't been the best for me to cope with – either." Zero conceded.
Breakfast continues on in silence for a while, before Zero brought up the issue that he's going to have to travel into Kyoto and would like Akane to keep the twins entertained while he's away.
"Ah… meeting eh, I recalled you used to hate those meetings back in my time era." Akane mused, losing herself in a memory lane.
"Did I ever bring you trio along for the meeting there?" Zero asked, curiosity lurking in his tone of voice.
"You sure did, but your main intention is to bring me along. Seeing as how you had intended for me to succeed your position within the clan in future – and of course, you wanted to keep the twins away from all that 'shitty' business as you dubbed them out to be. The twins, on the other hand, tagged along with us on the trip because they didn't want to leave your side at that point of time. But that changes as soon as Yuka-sama landed her eyes on them both, poor boys… ended up being squished by her each time they saw her in person." Akane giggled as she recalled those times she had to end up rescuing them from Fujiwara Yuka's grasp.
Zero sweat-dropped upon Akane's mention of the boys having been subjected to one of those crush-like hugs from Fujiwara Yuka, personally though – Ichiru and himself were equal victims of that fate. Thankfully, Fujiwara Yuka was relevantly younger back then and the squishes weren't all that bad for them to endure. His face took on a dark expression when he recalled the times that girl had tricked him into calling her 'Yuka-nee…', those were the carefree days prior to his start of the hunting lessons with Master Touga.
'Master Touga…' Zero allowed a sigh to escape from his lips upon the thought of his master; he wondered briefly whether his master would still want to have anything to do with him now that his vampire status falls under one of those aristocrats level. His master detested vampires in nature, and evidently disliked dealing with members of the Fujiwara Clan in general.
Now that he had come into his inheritances and his families backgrounds both coming into the light, he wondered if Yagari Touga – the veteran hunter would still want to maintain their 'teacher-student' relationship at all. Not only was he related to the Fujiwara Clan now but also to the Hiou Clan – and to top it off; he was now officially involved with Kaname Kuran. If all the shitty issues pertaining to the Hiou Clan and Fujiwara Clan failed to put any strain between his relationships with his Master, getting himself involved with the pureblood Kuran heir would most certainly pose a problem to his already estranged kind of relationships with Yagari Touga.
"So when are you setting off for Kyoto?" Akane's question jarred Zero out from his train of thoughts.
"I'll leave by noon, before the boys' wake – can you help me inform Kaname of where I've gone off to? Also, I'm taking Risa along for the trip." Zero directed his words to Akane then, as he started bustling around the kitchen to clear up the dishes for the breakfast usage.
It seems like both of the Kiryuu siblings seem to have the same idea in mind and that is to travel to Kyoto using the subway train as their form of transportation. Although, they set off from their respective venues at different timings – but it would appeared that their twins' connection are still in sync with one another. Since, both Zero and Ichiru had apparently ended up meeting one another on the train platform when they gotten off from different end of the train.
"Ichiru…"
"Zero…"
Lingering one step behind each Kiryuu sibling, Wakaba Sayori and Risa Miyazaki exchanged a nod of acknowledgement.
"Let's get a move on – then." Zero stated in a clipped tone of voice, as he started leading the way out from the subway station. Ichiru mirrored his twin's actions soon after, and lastly was joined by the two female 'guards' of theirs as the group of four made their way towards the Fujiwara estate in Kyoto prefecture.
The Fujiwara estate situated in Kyoto, Japan was really huge in terms of it's' land space. The estate itself is a traditional Japanese Style house, and between the wooden gates and the house itself was a garden of sort. Like any other Fujiwara estate, the estates are lined with beautiful maple trees.
"Good Evening, Zero-sama and Ichiru-sama – we have been expecting your arrival." The servants of the estate greeted the Kiryuu twins upon their stepping over the threshold.
Neither Zero nor Ichiru said anything in response, but they do however send a nod of acknowledgement back to the maid that had greeted them upon their entry into the place. The entire place was bustling with activities, as though one would be expecting a party to begin anytime soon. However, they both knew – tonight would be the negotiation meeting.
"Zero-sama; Ichiru-sama – kindly follow my lead to the preparation room." The sudden sound of a fellow maid startled them out from their thoughts, as they shifted their attention to the owner of the voice.
"… Lead the way then." Sighing inwardly, Zero beckoned for the maid to start moving. Preparation room… looks like a change of attire was in order then; and Ichiru's eyebrow started twitching upon the mention of entering the 'preparation room'.
"Honestly, is there really a need for such hassle?" The younger twin could not help but questioned.
"I apologized for the inconveniences caused, but do understand that this is for the sake of differentiation." The maid responded meekly.
"Ichiru, this is not your first time here – you know the drills." Zero interjected, successfully bringing a stop to his younger twin's rant of the hassle of needing to change attire just for a 'stupid' meeting of sort.
Fujiwara Clan held family meetings every quarter of the year, and occasionally emergency family meeting – like today. The main reason behind the regular meetings were to bring up issues that required 'decision-making' up for discussions; for instances – when Ichiru approached Fujiwara Satoshi with the proposition; and also the actions to be partake if Fujiwara Haruto was indeed found guilty of conspiracy with the hunter's association. A meeting has been held then, and the decision to join force with Kaname Kuran in the Cross Academy battle was also decided during that particular meeting.
Of course, Zero had not been present for the meeting then – all he did was to call up and supplied further information pertaining to the possibility of the Association going into cahoots with the Council. Placing extra emphasis on the issue of Fujiwara Haruto's share in the entire fiasco, and then he leave it as that – allowing his Uncle Satoshi and Fujiwara Yumi to debate all they want during the discussion with the rest of the elders in the family.
Eventually, it was decided that the Fujiwara Clan members would only partake in the battle against Fujiwara Haruto; and also to aid the poor defenseless day-class students. Anything outside of that range would not be their duties to handle; unless the enemies were dumb enough to approach them with an attack. That would be another case already; because an attack inflicted during the act of self-defense would be different to the act of taking initiative to attack during the battle.
Coming back to the present situation, Zero and Ichiru allowed the servants to help dress them up in the traditional Japanese clothing – a dark blue Kimono and later a Hakama with the same shade over it. Neither of the Kiryuu twins are fans for such clothing, because they find it a hassle to be dressed in such attires. However, seeing as they are now here not for social visit but to attend a formal meeting of sort – they would have to abide by the rules set by the family since ancient times.
Risa Miyazaki and Wakaba Sayori, they are the lucky ones – since they need not change their attires to suit the meeting atmosphere. They are, after all, merely standing by the side to observe the meeting and prevent any bloodshed from occurring. For obvious safety reasons, anyone whom entered the meeting area are only allowed one personal guard to go in with them.
In Ichiru's case, because he was previously missing for a whole of 4 years – his personal guard was only picked out recently and had yet to report officially for duty.
The guards or personal assistant to a fellow Fujiwara Clan high rank members are normally picked out from the four families that served under the Clan. In the olden days, there are more to pick from – but these days in the modern era; they are mainly down to the four – Wakaba, Sawashiro, Mishima and also lastly the Matsushita.
Members from the above mentioned four families usually do inter-marriage, so as to maintain the secrets of the Fujiwara Clan. For instances, Sayori's mother was from the Mishima Family and her brother's betrothed was from the Matsushita. Usually, the arrangement of union would be decided once the person in question reaches the age of 18 – and Sayori still had a year ahead before she would be subjected to the same fate as well.
Risa Miyazaki is a special case, while she is currently playing the role of a 'guard' to Zero – she is also considered a minor member of the clan. After all, her mother used to be a Fujiwara to boot – despite being originating from the human side of the family. However, she is also a Miyazaki and that family name of hers' opens her up to the option of obeying orders from another – in her case, the Kuran Prince. This is the reason why Ichiru would still need to be allocated with a guard of his own, instead of just making do with the idea of 'sharing' with Zero.
While Zero and Ichiru are busy waiting around for the time to pass, and for the meeting to start in the estate; back in the Kuran estate – the newly awoken twins are busy entertaining their Aunt Yuuki in a game of Monopoly. That is, of course, under the specific order of their young Father who is busy discussing something with their beloved Uncle Ichijo.
"Neh… Akira, what do you reckon Zero and Kaname-sempai is up to?" Yuuki asked, while she was absolutely sick of the idea of being kept in the dark. Unlike the situation with Zero, she does not have the guts to march up to Kaname Kuran and demanded for an answer out from him.
"Whatever it is, Aunt Yuuki – you have no need to worry yourself over it." Akira responded easily, he might not know what exactly his young parents were busying with – but he had an inkling of it.
There is a high chance that his young Father was discussing the issues pertaining to the council with Uncle Ichijo, brainstorming on the possible reasons to be feeding to the lower ranking council members that escaped from the fate of 'death' and also to the other noble clans – to explain his reasoning to wipe out 80% of the Vampire Council.
As for his 'Daddy' – according to Akane; he had went over to Aunt Yuka's place and that would mean he's off to a routine meeting of sort taking place within the Fujiwara Clan. So there is a very high possibility that it had something to do with the 'punishments' for Fujiwara Haruto; the election of the next Clan Head for the Hunter's Branch of the family and also the choice of a guard for his survived Uncle Ichiru?
Yuuki sighed, if she failed to get a response out from Akira – she was hardly going to try anything on Subaru. The elder twin was a complete replica of how Zero used to be like when he was first brought in by the Chairman, clammed up like a shell when he does not feels like revealing anything to her.
Over in the library, a certain blue eyed blond aristocrat was forced to help Akane in the task of re-organizing books atop of the shelves.
"Why did you get me in to help anyway? Wouldn't Ruka or my cousin be a better choice for it?" Aidou Hanabusa could not help but asked.
"While that may be true, but I want you away from Yuuki. I do not want you to blabber anything to her. Heaven forbids if she were to know of Kaname-sama decision to slay over half of the Vampire Council's population, and also Zero's reason for being away from the estate as of current. Knowing her, if she failed to get a response out from Akira and Subaru – her next best option would be you." Akane kindly explained her reasoning to the fidgety blond.
"And why is that so?" Aidou throws back in indignation.
"Because she knew you would caved in to her request or rather demand. Akatsuki have better sense in him to let her know anything, whereas Ruka is obviously the type that follows no one's order but Kaname-sama's order. Moreover, with all the glares Ruka used to direct towards Yuuki – I highly doubt Yuuki would dare to ask her anyway." Akane further explained her reasoning to get the blond in helping her out with the task to re-organize the books in the library.
Upon the end of Akane's explanation, Aidou Hanabusa fell silent and started his routine sulking episode. To which, Akane merely rolled her eyes at his antics and simply continued her task in categorizing the books and then re-arrange them back on the shelves. In the first place, she was not expecting much from the blond to begin with – picking him out from the rest, was to prevent Yuuki from getting information out from him.
Following the end of the entire Rido's fiasco, with the death of the Council members' by Kaname's hands – the pureblood prince will be very busy with the task of re-structuring the night-society in general. Ichijo Takuma would have to help, no doubt – and with Ichijo Asato's death by the hands of Takuma; the impression they were trying to give out to the public was that…Ichiou's death was due to the sins he had committed over the years that simply cannot be condone anymore.
For the case with the rest of the high-ranking official's death within the council, the argument prepared by the pureblood prince was to bring up the issue of Rido Kuran and also the battle within the Cross Academy – itself. Topping it off together, the conspiracy between the Council and the Association since 4 years ago would be brought into light. Which inevitably also translated to mean that the incident of Shizuka Hiou wiping out the Kiryuu Clan would also be - brought up for discussion to take place in the near future.
In the meantime, he would need to work out something to placate those panicky nobles' and that was why he required the assistance of his childhood friend – Ichijo Takuma. Well, if there's one good thing as of current following his decision to wipe out 80% of the council – it was that he was finally off the hook of potential marriage proposals from the nobles' because they were now all panicky and jittery after his acts to eliminate the council members.
Date started: 15/1/2013
Date completed: 17/1/2013