ABOUT THE STORY: I'm truly apologize for a huge mistake I've made for so long and I just realized; when I wrote that part of the story was based on 'The Originals', I meant I was inspired by the show.
Again I'm so so sorry for the confusion I've caused to some of you but this story is not a crossover. Characters like Kol, Kai, Sebastian, Anna, Dean, Mihoko, Lydia, and so many other characters you do not known are mine. The only idea I got from 'The Originals' was that a hybrid princess is born, the rest is all mine.
Again I'm deeply sorry.
READ - WHY DID I NOT UPDATE SOONER?:
Okay, here's the reason why I haven't updated for so long.
For a whole year I have been suffering with depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, I felt like I couldn't talk to anyone (including my family) thus I was constantly in my head 24/7, battling my own thoughts and facing my own demons.
Depression is like being in an abusive relationship with yourself, no matter how many time you try to prove you're worthy, you always end up feeling as if you're nothing.
My anxiety affected my health and the depression made me do and think things I'm not proud of.
However one day (I'm not gonna give you a headache by telling you the whole story, so don't worry.) I decided enough was enough, and started fighting back - as a matter of fact I still do.
Life is difficult but I prefer to think that I can do this; all I have to do is keep fighting because every day I still breathe and it's a battle I have won.
I want to thank all those who waited for so long and are STILL reading this story. I did not answer to many reviewers but I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Vampire Knight, Matsuri Hino does. However I do own my OCs and the story.
For the love of a Queen
Chapter 18
"So? What do you think?" Anna asked excitedly as soon as she closed the door. After what happened last night she wanted to talk with Zero and now she had her chance.
"It's…" Zero frowned as she looked around. She had seen the rooms the night class had and though she didn't find fair that just because the nobles were spoiled brats they got to have better and bigger rooms than the day class students had, to say this room was different would be understandable.
Unlike the other rooms, there was nothing aristocrat about it. The carpet was a snowy white while the curtains were so gold that they could hurt your eyes if you stared at them for too long. The bed's cover was the same color as the walls; a deep, girly pink. But what shocked her most was the glitter that seemed to be all over the room; on the walls, on the window, even on the freaking mirror that was about the wooden nightstand.
"It looks like a fairy has thrown up." Zero said bluntly, her face twisted as if her being here was physically hurting her.
Anna pouted, "Oh come on! It's feminine." She protested.
There were no visible emotions on her face, but when she spoke you could hear the amusement in her voice. "It's as if a five-year-old is living here."
"You say that because you're jealous." Anna teased her with a playful mind as she sat on the bed.
"As if!" Zero scowled but nevertheless copied her actions.
Anna shook her head, not wanting to argue anymore since there was no point. Her face brightened and she clapped her hand together while her lips twisted into a cute grin. "The reason I wanted to see you was because I wanted you to help me with my homework but… right now, I want to know what happened last night." she finished quietly.
Zero sighed and lay on the overly soft bed. "I was trying to help Yuuki."
Of course it was Yuuki. Anna sneered inside her but asked innocently, "With what?"
"She had been having nightmares and last night I performed a spell…" she paused trying to find the right words. "In her head, it was as if there was a huge… chain holding her back. There were voices, people, that neither I nor her have seen before."
Anna frowned, her mind concentrating on everything she just heard. "Do you think that someone might have messed up with her memories?"
Zero nodded but then she remembered that Anna couldn't see her since she hadn't moved from her spot. "Yeah I think so."
After a moment of silence Zero sat up and looked at her best friend who seemed to be lost in her own thoughts. "Anyway, what did you need help with?"
Anna blinked before she let out a chuckle. "Oh not much…" she waved her hand as if what she was talking about was insignificant and not even worth mentioning. She got up and picked up her bag, only to open it and get out few books.
"Just –ouf!" She let out a breath when she placed the thick books over her desk. She tried to avoid Zero's widened eyes as she ran a hand through her short, dark locks. "What about everything?"
OoO
Meanwhile Yuuki and Ichiru were waiting in the Headmaster's office. As soon as the former hunter entered both teens knew it wouldn't be a happy conversation. A thick tension fell over the room as all eyes fell to the Chairman who had just entered his office. Unlike Yuuki and Ichiru, he didn't sit on his chair; he placed his tea on his desk and stood with his back to them as he looked through the window, some candles he had for atmosphere were casting the strangest shadows across his dark troubled face.
"We're really sorry, father. If I knew what would happen to Zero I would have never asked her help. Please just don't blame Ichiru for my idiocy!" Yuuki talked first, breaking the cold silence, her voice so fast that it made both males blink.
Kaien shook his head, his shoulder slowly relaxing, "I don't blame Ichiru for what happened Yuuki, as a matter of fact, I believe both you, Ichiru but also Zero are to blame…" the older man turned to look at her, "Just what were you thinking?"
Ichiru felt the argue to talk but he hold himself back, the Chairman was upset and he didn't want to take the risk angering the man enough for him to kick him out of the Academy.
"I thought Zero could help me with my nightmares which I thought had to do with my past." Yuuki looked down at her lap, her eyes tearing a little, "I-I never meant for her to get hurt."
Kaien sight, he didn't want to be cold to the girl who he saw as a daughter but how else could he explain it to her? Zero was still too young to use such a powerful spell… "What's done is done. Last night's action only lead-"
Felling little defensive and not liking the sight of a sad, guilty Yuuki, the boy decided to talk. "Excuse me Cross-san," Ichiru cleared his throat. "But if it's anyone's fault, it's yours. If you had only told Yuuki from the beginning what my nee-chan was then maybe none of this would have happened."
Yuuki's brown eyes widened, Ichiru was right, the Chairman knew about Zero all this time! And he never told me anything! Yuuki realized angrily. "Yes Headmaster, I understand why Zero and Ichiru didn't tell me but why sis you not?!"
Kaien mentally sighed before he pulled out his chair and sat across the two teens who were staring at him expectably. "Yuuki, Zero's life tends to be little… complicated." Ichiru snorted at that but was ignored."I can understand if you feel betrayed but there are things I can't tell you." Kaien looked at his adoptive daughter seriously; mouth was set in a grim line. His little Yuuki wasn't so little anymore and no matter how much he wanted to keep his promise to Juri – the promise that Yuuki would have a normal life – he couldn't. Yuuki wasn't a child anymore, she was slowly turning into a mature, strong young woman, and Kaien couldn't hold her back but he couldn't give the answers she so desperately wanted because it wasn't his place.
Yuuki didn't speak for few seconds, the only sounds in the room was their breathings and an old clock that was hung on the wall which was currently seemed to be extremely loud in her ears. Her mind was progressing, and she was trying to figure out the meaning behind her father's words.
What couldn't he tell her? Obviously there were more secrets, secrets that might include her past as well… I have to ask the right question. But how could see do this alone, how could she- no, she wasn't alone. Yuuki looked at Ichiru who was staring the Chairman patiently. He's always good at that… waiting…
"Did you know Zero's real family?" She stressed the word 'real' to make sure he didn't answer about Ichiru's family.
Kaien's face softened as he drank his tea, "Zero's mother was there for me at a time when no one else was. Not only was she a singularly gifted witch, she was also an uncommonly kind woman. She had a way of seeing the beauty in others even, and perhaps most especially, when that person couldn't see it in themselves."
Unintentionally he closed his eyes, and he could still picture her. He was glad that despite all these years he hadn't forgotten how she looked like, though it was mostly due to Zero who while growing up was slowly resembling her mother even more.
"But how did you meet her?" At that Ichiru paid close attention, he always wanted to know how the hell Kaien became Zero's dear uncle.
Kaien smiled gently at his daughter as he shook his head. "That's something Zero should tell you. She's quite a good storyteller."
Yuuki let out a sigh, feeling little disappointed but she understood why Chairman couldn't tell her this time. She nodded at her father with a smile, determined to talk to Zero as soon as she saw her.
As the tension finally disappeared, Kaien returned back to his good old self as he told Yuuki about the new recipe he had tried today and how both of them would love it.
"Come on Yuuki-chan, it can't be that bad." Ichiru teased her as he saw her going at the kitchen reluctantly.
"You say that because you haven't tried his food yet." She murmured under her breath, making sure her adoptive father didn't hear.
Ichiru laughed as he sat on the chair beside her. "You're just being melodramatic." he pushed her shoulder gently in a teasing manner as the Chairman brought the food. "I'm sure it's delicious."
Kaien beamed, excited that his talent was finally being praised. "Then by all means please go first." Yuuki smirked and offered him the meat her father had cooked.
Rolling his eyes, Ichiru picked up a spoon and cut a small piece of the meat before opening his mouth and eating it. The transformation of a smug jerk to a scared boy was hilarious in Yuukis's eyes. "Well what do you think?" she asked sweetly and the Chairman leant closed as if he wanted to make sure he'd hear correctly.
"It's…" Ichiru winced, feeling as if he was going to puke. Alright maybe he had overestimated Cross's cooking abilities but having Zero living with him made him expect the man to know how to cook, "…delicious."
"Really?" Kaien looked at the young boy wide-eyed, not believing what he was hearing. He had finally impressed someone with his food! "Then go ahead have more!"
"Yes, Ichiru. Have more." Yuuki agreed and offered him her plate, "I'm not really hungry today, and I do have to patrol so since you like the food so much, I'll make the sacrifice and give it to you." Yuuki placed her hand above her heart before she got up.
Ichiru's eyes widened and for the first time he looked genuinely afraid. He opened his mouth to protest but Yuuki beat him. "I insist!" she said before she made an excuse about having to go for an early patrol since Zero was busy tonight.
"This is so great!" Kaien sighed contently. "Now we have time to bond! And don't worry I won't leave until you have eaten all the food." He grinned widely as he took a sip of tea.
Ichiru looked down at the disgusting food hesitantly, praying to God that after consuming this thing, he wouldn't die. Cutting another small piece he started eating again.
Oh my God.
OoO
Shiki Senri was far from being described as 'social', he was usually impassive, and often detached to the rest of the vampires except for Rima and Ichijo. He rarely expressed emotion which made him seem like he didn't care about his surroundings. Because of his reserved nature, he mostly kept to himself, and never really said anything, but when he did many people have said that he could be very blunt with his comments.
A lot of people, vampires and humans alike expected him to have a romantic relationship with his best friend Rima who he had known for a long time. However, their expectations couldn't be further than the truth.
The first time he met Rima Toya was when he was modeling for clothes of a very well known human designer. At first they didn't like each other, both being stubborn and sarcastic by nature it was more likely to grow hating each other. However, once he and Rima discovered that they both share a love for, Senri knew it wouldn't be the first time he would see the little girl. He was proven to be corrected when they met one another for another job, then they met again, and, again, and again. And slowly they became more than two children who loved pocky, more than two models who posed together. They became friends.
Senri never had any friends
The only person he had come slightly close was his cousin, Kaname, but they never talked or shared anything in common, Kaname just ordered and Senri followed. He was always good at that… following.
When the Night Class was first created, Senri founded it as his way of escape, the fact that he was lucky enough to have Rima with him was a bonus since he was never goot at socializing with other people. Due to his mother's mental illness, he learned to become a quiet 'doll' who didn't cause trouble or make her worry, which resulted him being laid back to the point of seeming apathetic. That didn't really bother him since he didn't have much of an interest in anything and possessed little motivation, although he was responsible about his modeling career and duties.
"Why is he mad at me and not you?"
"Senri, get your head out of your ass and freaking talk to him!"
A follower by nature, he became quite attached to his roommate Takuma Ichijo – a natural leader, who was always prompting him to try new things, but never in his life did he expect to actually fall for him. Rima always hated that he allowed other people use him with no problem and he never stood up to himself because he thought little of himself, but how could he? He was Takuma and he was just plain, simple, Senri who in his mother's opinion was so much like his father.
He knew it was a mistake going after Kiryuu, but he was so jealous and scared at the possibility that Takuma may even harboring feelings for her that he forgot the fact that Kiryuu hated vampires.
She doesn't seem to hate Takuma though…
Agh! That stupid voice of doubt in his head always caused him trouble! But it was correct, even when the guardian pretended to be a boy she always was treating Takuma slightly better than the others…
Senri sighed but still didn't move from his spot; he was in the corridor, outside of the new student's room. He had seen earlier Kiryuu entering but couldn't hear them talk since all the bedrooms were soundproof.
"Get your head out of your ass and freaking talk to him!"
Talking to Rima about his problem certainly didn't help, maybe it was because he had been talking to her all day without letting her get any sleep, or maybe it was just because he ate her last pocky.
Women he scoffed silently. Since Rima was too bloody tired to help him, he decided to go to the next best thing: Zero Kiryuu.
Who was better to give him a advice about solving a problem (which really was because of her in the first place) than a girl who was so straight-forward and was the opposite of him: not a follower.
"What are you doing here?"
He almost jumped at the sound of Kain. "Nothing!" his answer was quickly and it was obvious that Kain was not convinced, however, unlike Hanbusa who wanted to know everyone's business Kain merely shrugged and left him on his own, but not before her shot him a curious look.
Senri was 100% that in less than one hour, Hanabusa would come and asking what he was doing outside of Anna's bedroom.
You can do this, you can do this, you can do this. He repeated inside his heard like a mantra, hoping he could convince himself that he actually could do it. Without even realized, Senri knocked the door and by the time he unfroze it was too late to turn back because Anna had opened the door.
She wasn't ugly, Senri knew that, she was beautiful like any other vampire if not a little… extraordinary. Senri found himself thinking of the tales he had heard when he was a child about some fairies and how they would grant any wish humans made as long as they brought a piece of gold.
However, he wasn't a human and she wasn't a fairy who could grant wishes, and even if she was he didn't have gold to give her thus he found himself feeling more than a little embarrassed.
"Hey, Senri!" She greeted him with a huge smile that it almost reminded him of Takuma's. "What are you waiting for? Come in, come in!" She looked very relieved as she pulled him inside her room by grabbing his sleeve.
He stood awkwardly when he found himself looking at a pair of lavender eyes, and he had to force himself to stop blinking at the sight in front of him. Apart from the room he was in which looked as if it was pulled out from a little girl's magazine, he found the sight of an upset – messy – haired Kiryuu absolutely weird, if not hilarious.
The silverette looked as if she had been in a catfight, her cheeks were flushed and it made her look oddly young. Her brows were furrowed – a sign of anger (finally something he was used at) and her fists were clenched as if she was restraining herself from pulling off her hair.
"So what could we help you with?" Anna sat at a wooden chair away from a desk that seemed to be out of place.
Senri was surprised when Kiryuu glared at her and gritted her teeth, "Anna we're studying."
"Correction: she's studying." Anna told him, looking completely unaffected by Kiryuu's cold glare as she pointed her finger at herself, "I'm just watching."
Senri took a step back, unsure of what he should do. "I'm supposed to be helping you, not doing your homework!"
"Key word: supposed."
"That's it!" Kiryuu threw one of the tick books which seemed to be 'history', but he wasn't really sure. Once the book hit Anna's head, she turned to him, "You! What do you want?!"
He swallowed, it was now or never. "It appears that after our little confrontation Takuma refuses to talk to me." He made sure to seem impassive as he tried to hide his real feelings.
"And by 'confrontation' you mean you and the other bloodsuckers attacked me?" Her body relaxed and she raised an eyebrow.
"Yes."
"Awww how sweet!" Anna smiled softly before looking at Kiryuu with excitement, "I knew it, I knew those two were a couple and you didn't believe me!"
Senri blinked and he couldn't help but half-wondered if Kiryuu really talked about such things with her friend.
"Just what do you want?" the guardian got up and paid no mind at Anna's childish pout.
Senri didn't answer for a few seconds; it was as if he and Kiryuu were in some staring contest. He could see his reflection on her eyes, mahogany hair, lightly-tinted blue eyes and a pale skin tone… Plain Senri… "I want you to change Takuma's mind and make him talk to me." He finally blurred out, and almost immediately the huntress frowned.
"And what make you think Takuma will actually listen to me?"
His blue eyes narrowed at the question, "Takuma is very fond of you."
Maybe she agreed because she couldn't stand the short-haired vampire's laziness, or maybe because she realized he was edgy it. Senri didn't know, and he didn't care. As long as Kiryuu made the most important person in his life speak to him, he was extremely close to the feeling people called 'happiness'.
"On one condition"
Of course. He should have predicted that, "What's your condition?" He didn't like the smug look she was giving him. Not. At. All.
"You're going to help Anna with her homework till she's done." She pressed the word 'help', making it clear that he would actually be the one to do all the work.
"What, you're selling me!" Anna's expression was comical; her cat-green eyes were widened like a child who just found out that Santa didn't exist.
"Yep."
"But we're partners!" She protested, "You do the job and I'm looking! And you!" For the first time, she glared at him, "Don't you know that couples should solve their problems on their own?"
He wanted to correct her that he and Takuma were not a couple (and probably would never be since his roommate deserved someone better), but he chose to remain silent at her question and just nod at the huntress who almost smiled, almost.
"Anna, it's either him or nothing. Your choice." she patted her head before leaving
Green eyes looked at him warily before their owner sighed and accepted her fate. "So… do you know anything about Algebra?"
How does a apathetic boy help a overly excited girl with her homework? The question was echoing in his head, and Senri was about to find out.
OoO
Zero carefully walked towards the Vice President's room which was across two bigger rooms which she guessed could be Kuran's. Not wanted to attract attention from any bloodsuckers – especially Kuran, Zero twisted the handle slowly and opened the door.
She didn't really know what she was going to say to the blond vampire, last time she spoke to him she told him to stay away from her and crashed any hopes he had about the two becoming friends. However, she was just happy to get away from Anna; although she loved her best friend she was absolutely tedious when it came down to doing homework.
Takuma's room was far from what she had imagined it to be like; if Zero was honest with herself she'd admit that she expected the room to be bright colored with objects that could only bring good memories to someone. However, she reminded herself that it was almost the emo- Senri, she corrected herself mentally.
There were two beds in the middle of the room. Against the far wall was a surface, leaning into the corner. The bedroom was heavily curtained and papered in dark green and black velvet, the walls adorned with sketches of Manga and pictures of animals.
She made sure to lock the door before she took a step forward, not wanted the green eyed vampire to escape if their conversation turned ugly.
She moved to the right bed that had some manga opened and observed the rest of the bedroom while she waited patiently for the Vice President to come out of the bathroom. She could hear the water running and a calm heartbeat echoed in the silent room.
As she waited, Zero couldn't help but take one of the blonde's manga. She remembered reading one of these as a child while staying with the hunters but as she grew up she didn't have enough time to even read anymore. Suddenly she was hit with a feeling of melancholy and she couldn't restrain herself from running a hand lovingly over the comics.
"Zero, what an unexpected but pleasant surprise," a smooth, rich voice spoke from behind her causing her to jump.
"What the h- Oh my God!" Her eyes widened as soon as she turned around and saw him. Her throat suddenly became dry. In the middle of the room, right in front of her, stood half-naked with nothing but a white towel wrapped around his waist no other than Kaname Kuran .
She quickly covered her eyes with her right hand as she turned her back at him; she cursed herself on the inside for she could feel herself flush. She may not be a virgin anymore but still, the thought of seeing the obnoxious, cocky, bastard like that was overly disturbing.
"Cover yourself with something!" Uncovering her eyes she found a shirt abandoned on the couch that stood across the bed, and she threw at him, damning herself for entering the room without knocking.
"It is not my fault if your parents didn't raise you with manners, Zero. You should have simply knocked the door." She could practically feel his eyes shining with smugness as his voice held its usual confident tone.
"My parents are dead, you bastard!" The bitterness in her mouth tasted too nauseous and she closed her eyes praying to God for her heart to stop beating so fast.
There was only silence in the room and once Zero heard the sound of a zipper, she decided she had given arrogant jerk more than enough time to dress so she turned around and found him observing her with an odd look.
For some reason Zero didn't like the silence, especially when she was with Kuran whose mind was too conniving, too mysterious, for her to understand.
"I'm searching for Takuma." She stated, crossing her arms under her chest, a sign which revealed the hostility she was actually feeling.
His eyes slightly narrowed before he forced himself to relax – or to appear relaxed, "You and Ichijo seem to be fairly familiar with each other." He voice smoothly as he walk towards the couch and sat down, in front of him was a chessboard and the pieces obviously had been thrown around it carelessly.
Zero rolled her eyes, "Don't be like your cousin, if you wanna know he practically begged me to come and talk to Takuma. As if I would ever spend my time willingly with bloodsuckers."
Kaname didn't appear insulted and he didn't look up as he started picking up the pieces and setting them in line. "You seem to like spending your time with your best friend." He sneered at her, loving the way her eyes flashed with anger.
Zero glared at him, holding herself back from attacking him. "Anna's different!"
"Well aren't you the little prejudiced"
Not able to take the pureblood's playful mood which pissed her off, Zero decided to leave; it was obviously that Takuma wasn't there. However, after unlocking the door she tried to twist the handle but the door wouldn't open.
The silverette threw a glare at the pureblood who was watching her with amusement. "Why the hell isn't the door opening up?" She tried to twist the handle again in vain.
"You see Zero, Ichijo's door has a problem; once it's unlocked you are unable to open it from the inside. Ichijo is currently on the way of getting a man to fix, so unfortunately for you, you are stuck here until he comes." When Kaname finished he wasn't able to hold back his smirk anymore, he had trapped the beautiful huntress in his web without even doing anything.
Lavender eyes widened and this time Zero twisted the handle panicky. "No – no way." she shook her head and took a step back when she suddenly got an idea. "You! You have powers, you can break!"
Kaname didn't show mercy on her as he shook his head and crushed her dreams. "There's a limit to our powers even for purebloods." He lied, of course he could open the door but there was no way he would; it wasn't every day he got to have Zero all for himself. "I advise you to make yourself at home and I could keep you busy." He pointed out the now organized chessboard
Zero raised an eyebrow, looking at him a little shocked, "I'm not playing any games with you!"
Kaname shrugged his face remaining content and composed as he twirled his queen around with his fingers. "Well if you prefer to sit in silence, doing nothing while we're waiting for Ichijo, then alright."
The thought of using magic did cross her mind and it sounded extremely appealing, however, this would also mean that Kuran would know, and she preferred to keep this secret to herself.
"Fine!" She exclaimed, "We'll play your stupid game, but only because I'm desperately bored."
That seemed to be fine by him since he nodded.
As they started playing, Zero couldn't help but feel like something was… off. "Kuran, if Takuma's door needs to be fixed – "
"Which it does..."
"–then why were you taking a shower here?"
Kaname's hand froze but he relaxed so quickly that Zero didn't get the chance to notice his suspicious behavior. "Do you really want an answer, Zero?"
The cold tone of his voice with its underlying hint of despair had her nodding until made a move. "Yes"
Kaname bishop and took Zero's white knight. "Well then you would like to answer me first why and from whom you took blood few days ago."
The atmosphere in the room was electric. The concern was masked by a rough, impatient tone, but she could hear it lapping the edges of his voice. Zero looked at him with astonishment written all over her face, "I-I don't know what you're talking about."
"Blood sharing is kind of… personal."
Kuran was a pureblood; he must know the meaning behind Kol's words. However If she were to tell him or even dare ask him, it would bring her more trouble than it was worth it. She preferred to wonder what her former boyfriend meant than allow Kuran to dig into her personal life.
"I see." Something in his voice, the sensuous yearning, the raw unrefined quality, made her tightly shut eyes flicker open. His face, the taut, rigid lines, the burning, almost feverish glow in the dark gaze toppled her off the precarious emotional tightrope she'd been walking for days. She didn't have the mental reserve or the desire to fight the unknown right now. Both of them had no choice but to accept that their questions would not be answered anytime soon unless something else pushed them to.
For the next minutes they continued to play, it didn't escape from the silverette's notice the surprise the pureblood seem to have every time she managed to take out one of his chess pieces.
Truth to be told, it wasn't the first time she played the game. She remembered when she was young and her real family was alive, there were many times she had played chess with her uncle Kai who would sometimes show enough mercy to allow her to win.
Back then, she remembered the love she held for the game even though she had a lot to learn. Maybe it was the beautiful square-lined kingdom, with amazing characters, that were now being projected in front of her eyes.
Maybe it was the funny moments she had shared with her family while learning the game that made her like chess so much, even before discovering all its rules. For her, the main rule was clear: lat herself dive into that brand new world. Each piece moved over the board, made her see a real duel, in a magical and far away land, in which bishops, the rooks, the pawns, the knights and the queen duel bravely to protect their king.
"How about we make this more interesting?" Her opponent's suggestion snapped her out of her thoughts.
Zero looked at him reluctantly, half-wondering where he wanted to go with this. "How?"
Wine colored eyes locked with a pair of lavender and held their gaze, "If I win, you must spend two hours with me, doing everything you're told, and without any complaints."
Zero frowned, not liking his requirement. Looking at the chessboard, there weren't many pieces left on either side, but maybe – maybe she could beat him to this.
"Fine," She agreed and Kaname's face was immediately lit with satisfaction which made Zero speak quickly before he got more ideas in his head. "But if I win then you cannot talk or even look at me for two months."
The deal wasn't fair but Kaname was confident in his experience and skill, "Deal."
The battle between them raged on, and even though Zero was slightly nervous at Kaname's careful attention to every little detail, she did not let it show.
The minutes ticked by slowly, almost unnoticeable under the force of concentration the two were exerting on the chessboard. Several times it seemed as if Zero was finally gaining a decisive upper hand, Kaname would manage to discard some offending piece piece to the growing piles of regected figures. Zero found herself scrambling on the defensive, throwing her entire mind into strategic plots to overthrow Kaname's plans.
"Moving your king? That seems like such a vulnerable position..." Kaname trailed, "you leave me wondering at your strategy," Kaname said, quircking an eyebrow
"A king must always lead his people, isn't that right?" Zero asked, tilting her head and displaying a disarming smile while using her king to take another pawn. She held the pawn effortlessly between her fingers for a moment before dropping it to the side of the board where the rest of Kaname's captured pieces lay.
"But a king needs to be protected," Kaname countered, his voice persuasive and genial. A hand took the remaining white castle, setting it down firmly four spaces away in a direct confrontation with a white pawn.
Zero surprisingly let a small chuckle escape her lips; Kaname had obviously learned chess the classical way, which spelled out his demise to Zero in gleaming black statuettes. Kaname continued firmly, seemingly unaware of how Zero's lips curved upwards ever so slightly at the corners. "You won't win the game of you send your king recklessly into a battle."
"We'll see who wins the match, Kuran." Zero reminded him haughtily, pausing for a moments until Kaname looked up at him from the chessboard. "And if the king doesn't lead the who will?" The huntress looked back to the board and placed a delicate finger on the bishop, moving it unti it nearly pushed a black pawn out of the white square. The pawn fell directly into the discard pile on the side of the board, clicking against the other pieces.
"Queen." Zero instinctively found Kaname's eyes with her own discovering them fiercely intense in their defense of his words. The liquid fire of his opponent's eyes blazed heated superiority and a belief in his own unrivaled power, the force of which knocked Zero's breath away.
"Queen?" Zero repeated, unblinking, unable to look away from Kaname's eyes. That quick and firm response had shocked the huntress and her mind couldn't scramble fast enough for a neat response when face with the strength of Kaname's vision
Her question of leadership had been rhetorical, and yet Kuran already had an answer. Eyes were so often said to be the window of the soul...
"Yes" Kaname said, his eyelids lowering until he was focused solely on Zero. It felt as if the entire world was made only of the two of them and their ideals... everything else disappeared as the pureblood nearly whispered, in his velvet voice slinking across the table. "For whom do you think directs the king?"
Zero couldn't answer, her breath trapped in her throat strangely dry and her eyes still captive to Kaname's dark ones. Her mind whirled in a maelstrom of thought... didn't the king direct himself? Wasn't he the one who trully ruled? Sure the queen held power but she was meant to be used by the king, not lead him.
Zero pushed her hair out of her eyes, penalizing she was slightly sweating, as she again reached down and delicately picked up her white king between her finger and thumb, holding it for a moment before setting him it two squares forward; she was so close to the black king, so close to those peaceful two months…
The collar of her school uniform felt too tight and her eyes were beginning to hurt. This wasn't right, she thought suddenly. She wasn't supposed to feel this way, not with the match drawing to a close, not to Kuran… she glanced up at the vampire quickly without raising her face.
He was smiling, his face filled with gratification as if he had won the lottery.
"Checkmate."
Kaname's statement caught Zero off guard and she looked down to the chessboard with a growing horror. Lilac eyes widened, searching the checkered plane, racing through scenarios, it couldn't be true, but–
The white king had been caught, trapped from every side, no move available except those which would result in disgrace and defeat.
Zero had lost the match.
