Miss me? Sooorry for the long absence. I'm in a college now, pursuing medical course in Pharmacy. It's being hell. So busy to adapt to new life and having too many work to do. I managed to spend time writing this chapter as now I had my own laptop. Bless my father for that. Finally having my own laptop. Anyway, this chapter is super long as I couldn't stop myself. A special thank you for your patience and your support.

Anyway, enjoy this chapter and sorry for any mistakes. Already check it but I could just missed it.

Disclaimer: I didn't own JR or SIH. But I own the plot so to speak. (hihi)

CHAPTER 10

"NOOOOOOOOOO, PLEASE DON'T!" A raven hair woman ran as a stranger hold a baby in his hand. The baby gurgled as he was raised up in the air. The man held a bloody sword, blood trailed down from the blade, pooling on the ground. The woman stopped in her tracked when blue magical rope from four directions tied her down to the ground. Shocked, she stumbled to the ground, releasing a painful scream as the binding bound her magic in her core. Her long black hair covered her face as she bowed lower to the ground, trying to ease her pain. Another woman with silver hair dashed through the opening just to be blocked by another brown haired woman. The silver haired woman was trapped in a strong closure, a huge white cage that constricted her magic and aura. They literally walked through their enemy traps, in the purpose of saving the baby. The small brown hair baby could feel the pain that her mother felt, cried.

"Misaki, it's ok, love. Wait for me. I will come to you." The bounded black hair woman closed her eyes. She could feel her magic was bound to her magical core. Opened her eyes again, she summoned all of her strength and power and poured to the magical binding and overpower the rope. The man realized the woman's plan, quickly throw fire to the woman. The woman had a few seconds to cant before she was engulfed with fire. A thick wall of earth surrounded her as the ropes around her snapped. She managed to free herself but this cause her magical to decline. Her magic swirled around her uncontrollable as she ended her magical wall. Slamming both her hands to the ground, she collected her breath. The man took the chance, raised his hand and a magical circle formed around her. Still tired from her previous battle, she could not manage to defend herself as snake of magical thread found her wrist and foot, snapped her bound to the ground, lying down. Her eyes wide in recognize as a ruby in a Tiara was brought upon her and place on her.

"No, that can be…"

"Yes, it's what you think it is." The man answered.

"Why you do this Murasaki! You're once my best friend and now you want to trap me. WHY?" The woman glared and shouted to the man as he knelt down on the ground beside her. He stretched his hand and caressed her face. The woman tried to back away but the tight binding prevented her.

"It's your fault for choosing him over me, Yuri. Why do you choose him? I know you in my whole life but just five months meeting that man, he snatched you away from me. Unforgivable. ME, who love you and took care of you since we were kids but you easily choose that foreign wizard, forgetting about me. What he had that I don't have?"

"Murasaki no Baka! You're still my best friend! I could not help to fall in love with him. He was my mate and now he's dead. You killed him, knowing he was my whole life. You snatched away my child in hope of what? In hope I will marry you. NO way. My Mate is Takurai-san till the end of my life." Yuri tried to hold her tears not wanting to show her weakness to the man she once trust with her life. But the slight whimper from her baby snapped her control and tears started to fall down.

"Don't cry… please, Yuri." Murasaki wiped the trails of tears that came faster as Yuri looked to her baby.

"Please, Murasaki. Please look after my child. He's innocent. Please. Just consider this as my last wish as your once best friend. Please, let Misaki live."

After that, the scene became blurry and the last thing could be seen was Yuri smiled as she gazed toward her baby. 'Please be alive, my little Misaki…'

~0~

Misaki snapped from his slumber at the same time the dream ended. He did not know how but his heart told him it was not just a mere dream. He felt connected to the woman named Yuri and looking at the woman with blood all over and bound to the circle, he vaguely could summarize the ending. He felt really lost and helpless. He hugged his knees together trying to ease his trembling. He did not realize that he had company until he felt a pair of strong arms around him. He looked up from behind his bangs just to meet a pair of amethyst orbs. Akihiko rubbed behind his back and patted his head soothingly. He did not know how long they stayed in the position until Akihiko broke the hug. The said man was just silent while caressing his soft cheek. Misaki leant to the warm hand finally registered that it was cold and snow fall from the sky slowly. It had being four months since he met Akihiko. And not in a day, that Akihiko forgot to shower him with soft caress and affection which only made his heart fluttered more than normal.

"It's winter break today. What's your plan for the day?" The sudden question startled the said boy. Misaki blinked a few times before the question could be registered in his mind.

"I don't really know. Maybe I go through the notes some time and go practice. I think on learning a few new spells today." Misaki looked to his messy desk, taking note on the spell he wanted to master. He remembered putting the list under a book.

Akihiko sighed when Misaki started to think about his work. "Misaki, stop. It's a holiday and you should take a break once in a while. You already work enough." Akihiko pulled the boy and directed him to shower and dress.

"Join me after you dress." With that, Akihiko walked out from the room, leaving the pouting boy. Before he went out, he glanced back once and chuckled when looking at the boy's pouting face. His chuckle made the boy blushed. Things started wrong the first time they met but after this long four months, they seemed to become close and acted normally. Misaki with his cute order and Akihiko with his smug and smirk face. Anyway, their day seemed to become more enjoyable although they never crossed the line. Both held their buried affection and love in their heart. One who scared that he will be turned off while the other scared that the boy will hate him. However, they never could push the force that always attract to them no matter how they fought to control themselves, resulting on the once in a while heated kiss.

Misaki walked out from his room after dress up. He wore a simple light blue shirt and out on his sweater. It is winter which meant it was hell cold outside. He padded to the open porch and took his normal seat in front of the man. Although they were outside, a magical dome prevented the snow from falling on top of them and their surroundings. The inside dome also felt warmer as heating charm was place around it. Akihiko glanced in a second toward the boy before continued his reading. He was reading a wizardry newspaper as he could see moving picture in it. However, it's seemed from foreign country and he never saw one first. Misaki ate his breakfast in silent, content to enjoy the serene scenery of the snowy country and comfortable silent. He went through some of his note in his mind while taking a sip of his morning tea. Then, he remembered his promise with Chiaki (which he had met in his academy and befriend) to exchange present for the upcoming Yule. The students of the academy must attend a Yule party in 27th December as the main event of the year. For Misaki, it will the first time he would attend a big event like the Party. Although he said party was held in the academy; other people like the ministry, the aristocrat, and the high rank army officer will attend too. And Akihiko surely will attend as the most powerful figure in the kingdom. Sometime, Misaki could forget about their position as Akihiko rarely showed his position and like to lay low. He tried to think of a present suit the boy when Akihiko snapped close the newspaper and threw it carelessly on the table. He sighed before a smirk graced his face.

"It seems he finally on the move." Akihiko mumbled while losing in his own mind. Misaki eyed the man feeling confuse but just shrugged it. Akihiko is the king of the kingdom. No matter where and when, there will always problem that he needed to be solved and to look at. Although sometime he really lazy to do his work, he always think about how to improve his kingdom. Many new laws had been made in this past two years of his regime (Which he learnt from his history class). Many people were thankful and respect the young king. He managed to control the crime rate with increasing the number of patrol and giving more heavy punishment to the outlaw. He also encouraged many youngsters to join the military academy with opening a department for scholarship for lower class citizen, resulting in a huge number application for new student. Many new knowledge field was made like healing, potion makers, Spell crafter, Weaponry and the latest is scholar (People who want to work at the academy or in office). Normal citizen could enjoy working and living in comfortable and safe kingdom. Misaki learnt that the rumor about Akihiko been a tyrant because he managed to conquer quite large numbers of small countries, resulting sometime in blood bath. He risked his reputation because he believed that with the small country joining together, they can control and regulated people who crossed between the magical world and the human world. This is to ensure that normal human will not found them and starting a new Magical-Human war. The laws of crossing between two worlds become even stricter. As the result, the kingdom become more prospers as many people came to work in the kingdom rather staying in the mundane world. Misaki also learnt that magical creature took refuge in this kingdom as new laws had been made to not harming them unless they were being a threat to them. Many creatures sanctuary was build like werewolves' sanctuary and werecats sanctuary. This action gained the respect of the people making them proud of having Akihiko as their king. Misaki was quite shocked when learning this in his history class. Somehow, Akihiko's image changed slightly from his former view. Although he knew that Akihiko still had his cruel and sadistic side (which he saw when torturing criminal and outlaw), He also had his reasonable side and his loving side although sometime he could catch a glimpse of a lonely and longing side. This past 4 months although he could still not learnt fully the man named Akihiko but somehow he knew a lot about him to be consider as the first step. It fascinated to watch him working and solving problem.

The silent that seemed to stretch hour actually, only a minute has passed. Their wondering minds snapped when Takano came to view.

"Akihiko, someone wants to see you." Takano gave a brief bow and went out.

"Hmm… It's time for work." Akihiko stood up, giving brief signal to the boy and they together walked out from the room.

They walked together to Akihiko's study. Stepping inside the room, a black haired man with a pair of deep blue eye pierced them. Along him was a teen, about the same age as Misaki with black hair and a pair of shining emerald eyes.

"Finally, showing yourself… What do I own the pleasure of this visit" Akihiko signaled the man towards the sitting area and had a maid prepare tea. Misaki took a seat by the man while the other boy sat beside the black hair man.

With a smirk, the devilish good looking man said: "I come with a news and for a help." Taking a sip of the tea, Akihiko eyed the man with a skeptics looks.

"So, what help that you need for you to come here to this other side of the world? You know that Antitheus Kingdom always avoid getting into the other country's affair. You must have a solid reason for me to help you. As you know, my help didn't come cheap." Akihiko smirked while the man's eyes flashed with irritant and anger.

"Didn't I know that… well (the man sighed), my enemy managed to form an ally with an unknown resource. Although, I could still manage the growing number in their organization, from my spy I found out the name of the ally. It's your uncle, Usami Murasaki."

With wide eyes, Akihiko slammed the tea cup to the table, anger coursed through him. "HOW ON EARTH DID HE MANAGED TO SURVIVE?!" Akihiko seemed too lost in anger. His magic wildly broke the vase and window in the room. Wind started to circulate around in the room; his eyes bleed red in color which startled Misaki for a bit as he never saw the color. Seeing the hurt and furious look in the eyes, without thinking, Misaki engulf the man in an embrace. He pulled the man into his arms and rubbed the man's back, trying to ease the strong feeling of wanting to murder someone. Somehow, Akihiko slowly became calm and the strong wind finally slowing down and die. After a while, Akihiko calmed down and coolly, breaking the hug.

"Sorry for that… It's been a while since I lost my anger. How do you know that it was him?" Akihiko asked.

"Well…firstly he speaks in your mother language. Secondly, I managed to see him through a pensive. And finally, I was graced with his present himself. I met him in one of the raid. From my spy, he brought along about fifty element users as joined forces with my enemy. Somehow, he managed to tamper a few of my plan. I'm telling you this as I thought you want to know about him as he is your uncle."

The black hair man exclaim, shocked Misaki. From the early, he was just silent, obediently listening to the conversation. When, he heard Usami Murasaki is Akihiko's uncle, he was shocked beyond word. Something must happen for Akihiko to hate his uncle so much to the point of getting furious.

"He's not my uncle… not after what he did to my mother…" Well there goes the secret. Misaki remembered that Akihiko had told him that his mother killed Akihiko's mother. Maybe, Murasaki helped Aiko to kill his mother, resulting the furious he had earlier. But Akihiko's word confused him. Was Akihiko had tried to kill Murasaki but fail? Only time will tell.

The guest sighed "Well, I know I decline the offer the first time, I came here to renew the contract. I wish to become an ally with you. Murasaki managed to make quite damages to my capital city. As a result, the economics decreased and people were afraid to go out. "

Akihiko rubbed his temple before sighing: "Yes. I will help. I'm also need to solve my own problem. But in an exchange I want a small land, near the border of the southern island. A small island just enough for a villa to be built." Akihiko's demand shocked the black-haired man. He had prepared to negotiate with the king for the price of the alliance but he never thought that the king just want a small island. Not wanting to lose this chance he agreed after thinking that there's no harm of giving an island, big enough for a villa to be built.

"Well then… Don't you want to introduce the charming young man beside you?" The direct question startled Misaki as he did not expected to being acknowledge. Misaki looked to Akihiko, asking for an answer. When, he saw the brief nod, Misaki looked back at his guest and gave a small smile.

"I'm Takahashi Misaki. I'm Akihiko-san's assistant." He said with a small bow.

"Well, consider I did not introduce myself earlier… I'm Ijuuin Kou and this boy Shizuki Ishi." The said young man gave a smile and nod at the other boy.

"Well, should we move to the meeting room? I will have a meeting in about ten minutes." Akihiko stood up and went to his study. He took a black file and handed it to Misaki.

~0~

The meeting was surprisingly going well. They planned to go to the Myricsa, Ijuuin's capital city in a few weeks. Apparently, he is the ruler of the small kingdom just a few miles from Anthetius to the south. The mission is a top secret one which only composed of trusted inner circle Black Devil as the rumor could be spread and alerted the enemy. Twenty inner circles were picked for the mission including Takano, Yukina, and Kisa. Akihiko was also coming with them. The appointed date was in January as Akihiko still needed to finish his work first before leaving the kingdom in Hatori hand. Misaki learnt that while Takano is his right hand, Hatori is the one in charge of the kingdom in Akihiko's absence as Takano usually followed the man to protect him. Misaki got to know more about Takano and Hatori from his brother Ritsu who worked under Takano's department of Military Defend.

After the meeting, the guests were escorted to guest rooms, leaving Misaki and Akihiko alone in the room as others officer went back to their post. Akihiko leant his back to the soft chair as he looked to the boy.

"Well, seem we're will be going out of the country."

"Huh, what do you meant 'we'. Do I need to go with you?" Misaki asked puzzle.

Akihiko just arched his eyebrow before answered, "Yes, you will go where ever I go. I could not afford you to stay here while I'm not around to protect you." Akihiko rose from his seat and made his way to the door. Misaki was stunned with declaration and his heart beat faster.

"Well, let's go. There're many things to do before our trip. The party is in five days and you still didn't have a nice outfit yet. We had to plan a shopping trip." Akihiko mumbled as Misaki followed behind him.

"Eh, Didn't I will attend as a student there? I don't need flashy cloth or something. Just normal cloth is enough."

Akihiko stopped in his track, resulting the boy to stop a few inch behind him. He spun around and pushed the boy chin up. "Do you forget who you really are? Although you were a student there, you are one of my inner circle and my slave. Don't forget about your status as my assistant." Without waiting any answer, Akihiko released his chin and walked away, leaving a shocked boy.

Misaki knew that no matter what he does, he could never escape Akihiko. Akihiko had the right on himself, and magic approve of it. Yeah, he had made unbreakable vow to become his slave for the rest of his life but his feeling for the man strongly fought again of leaving the man more. No matter what Akihiko did, he own Misaki's life, body and heart. Misaki silently prayed that his decision to remain by the man's side will become a happy path.

~0~

Browsing through the pile of the books, Misaki sighed, tiredly. He spun around, glancing to the wall clock and sighed again. It's already one in the morning and he's still in the library, trying to finish his work. And it didn't help that he still didn't feel sleepy. As he sat on the available chair, his mind wandered to the early event. So, that's why he didn't hear the sound of the door creak behind him. As his scan the text on the book in front of him, he was startled when a hand shot from behind. Misaki spun behind just to be greeted by a slight smirk of Ijuuin Kou. He averted his eyes and asked:

"Can I help you…Ijuuin-san?" Misaki busied himself with the pile of books on the desk while trying to relax his speeding heartbeat.

Ijuuin glanced to Misaki before answered: "Oh sorry to bother you… just I couldn't sleep and want to read something. So… what are you doing here? Not your work I presume. Akihiko will not be that cruel to you." Misaki just chuckled a bit.

"No… I'm just doing some research on my homework. I don't want to bother Akihiko-san about it." Misaki pointed to his pile of books on the corner of the desk. Ijuuin took a seat beside the brunette while looking at him puzzled.

"Homework? Are you saying that you still didn't graduate yet? How you get to work beside Akihiko if you still didn't have any certificate. I recall that the kingdom's rule in working in ministry is to graduate and have a certificate."

"Yeah… well something happened and it's just lead to that. Anyway, I think I just finish for today." To discuss such topic made Misaki felt very uncomfortable. It was his private life and not to open to discuss. Well, to add, he was a little bit wary looking at the man. His deduction told him that he was a man of power, one who was bless with good looks and intelligent. However he also noticed the slight darker aura of the man like he wants to hide something. Maybe it's just he's paranoid but he sure he managed to catch a glimpse of his sharp observation like he was some kind of animal to be dissect. It made him uncomfortable. Misaki gathered his work pile, made a note on leaving the books on the table, not that people will complained as this is a private library, now he thought about it, Ijuuin-san should no way could enter this library unless…

As Misaki made his way to the door, immediately he was swung back and being push to the long table. This action knocked out his breath and he took a few seconds to collect his breath as he registered that he was trapped between the table and the imposing figure of Ijuuin hovered on him. His wrists were pushed down by a strong hand while his legs were spread apart by the man's leg.

"What are you doing?! Let me go!" Misaki squirmed, trying to pull him out of the man hold. He glared at the man as his action remained futile.

Ijuuin traced the boy's face with his other unoccupied hand. "Looking at you closer, I could see that you were a little cute but I couldn't see what he interested in you."

"Wha..t?"

"People like Akihiko who only knew to manipulate, use and kill them; I still couldn't find what could be possibly there in you that could manage to change him like this now." Ijuuin still continued to trace the brunette's face.

Misaki narrowed his eyes, cautiously "And pry to tell me what are you talking about?" It's not about the slave bond right… please don't say about it…

Ijuuin were silence for seconds before he tore open the shirt. Misaki gaped at him before renew his fighting.

"Hei, let go of me! Let go!" Misaki tried to kick the man but the man pushed his leg harder, resulting his legs to spread wider. Misaki tried to free from the hold but his grip tighten.

"…comparing you to my little sister, she suit him more than you. A mere human like you could never sire his child or get to give him one literally as you're a boy. What on earth he think taking a male human, a child not less as his bonded mate. YOU who didn't have any vampire blood in you. Your relationship will only bring doom to both of you." Ijuuin gave an icy glare at the brunette who froze in shock with the man's statement. Bonded mate… vampire… Akihiko-san?!

Suddenly, Misaki was freed from the tight grip when an unknown figure threw Ijuuin side way straight to the floor. Misaki could just freeze in shock as an angry looking Akihiko held his hand out, fire swirling around his hands.

"Give me a reason that I should not fry you with my fire right now, Ijuuin…" Akihiko stepped closer to the man, anger and murder intent shone from his face. Misaki who lying frozen a few seconds ago, pull his shirt together before taking steps to Akihiko.

"Akihiko-san, it's ok. I-"

"STOP Misaki. I quite displease right now." Akihiko warned without lifting his eyes from Ijuuin. Said man just rubbed his head from the impact of the collision before stood up.

"You never told Misaki about you being bonded to him right… Just looking at his reaction, he also didn't know that you are a vampire. So tell me how this human, basically knowing nothing managed for you to be bonded with and for you to decline an arranged marriage with my sister, your fiancée just for this human!" Ijuuin snarled as his eyes bled red.

"For your information, your little sister is not my fiancée and whoever my mate was is not your hell of concern. I suggested that you leave my sight before I burned you alive right now. You should know that displeasing me, meaning putting your family in danger. Do I make myself clear…" Misaki could see that the man was furious but somehow Akihiko's warning managed to shut him up and he stormed out from the room, leaving the two of them. Misaki silently gulped as he turned to face Akihiko. To say he was furious was understandable. Without a word, Akihiko dragged Misaki out from the library to his chamber. Upon reaching there, Akihiko slammed the lithe body to the back of the door. Misaki was already prepared for any types of punishment but the man's next action surprised him. Akihiko warped around the boy, pulling the brunette into his arms before sliding to the floor, hugging him like his life depended on him. A soft whisper barely could be heard whispered to his ear, "Are you ok?"

Misaki who startled with the question took a few seconds to process before answered "I'm alright, just a slight bruise around my wrist" His answer made the man push him and took his hand and examined the slight bruise. Akihiko canted a healing spell and slowly the bruises fade away. The room was dark but not that dark as the moonlight still illuminated the room. Silence ruled the room before they both spoke at the same time.

"Akihiko-san"

"Misaki"

They looked at each other in surprise before Akihiko said "You go first." Misaki looked to the man's eyes before giving slight nod.

He clenched his fist while darting his eyes to the man and to the room debating on how to approach the subject.

"What does Ijuuin-san means about bonded mate and is it true that you are a vampire?" Misaki asked in slightly shaky voice. Misaki's question made Akihiko sighed in resignation. He pulled the boy up, taking him to the edge of the bed before ordering him to sit. Akihiko sat beside the brunette and slowly he stretched his hand and caressed the boy's face.

"Bonded mate means like a wedding couple in human's understanding but in vampire's world it is a sign of equal and partner of life. When a vampire bonded with the said person, they will bond until their last breath. Usually, vampire took someone with the same status and power as a mate, usually a creature. It's rare for us to take a human as a mate simply it will never produce a powerful heir and you know power is above anything in vampire world."

"So… is this mean we were bonded mate. But you said a vampire will never took a human as a mate less than mated with him for the rest of his life. There's no way… we..we?" Misaki took slightly step back, trying his hardest to ignore the piercing eyes.

"Unfortunately we were bonded."

"But… HOW? How I become your mate? Is this because of the vow? Is this because we..we.. actually have sex before…?" The last question just barely a whisper in the air. Misaki could not look to the man's eyes, feeling guilty.

"Is it my fault…? Did I trap you into become bonded with me."

Hearing this Akihiko grabbed the brunette and pull him closer, "MISAKI look at me. Yes, it is because of the sex but NO it's not your fault. In fact it's my entire fault. I RAPED you remember. It's not like you have any say in that."

"But it didn't help that I robbed you of your life. Just now Ijuuin said that his sister is your fiancée. I become a burden to you. I don't want to make your life miserable because you bonded to me. I don't want you to become unhappy… Akihiko-san." Misaki could not stop his tears to come out. He hated himself for become a burden, he hated for causing the man to cancel his marriage because of him.

Akihiko pulled Misaki to hug and lowly scolded the stupid boy. "Baka, there's no hell I were unhappy bonded with you. In fact I was thankful that I got bonded with you. Misaki, actually I was the one who forcedly bonded you to me. Do you have any ideas how it's hurt my heart when I know that I literally trapped you to mate with me. Misaki, listen, you are a Natural Crafter, descendant from the royal wizard family. This line bred the most powerful wizard known to man. However, on their 18th birthday, they had to take a mate to ensure that their power doesn't become overloaded. This is because they came to sort like an inheritance where their magical core is mature. A mate is needed to share the raw magic as bonded pair usually shared their traits and power. And to achieve all this, that's where sex comes. So if you see, I the one who forced you to become my mate rather than you trapped me. So don't blame yourself. Whatever happen I will keep you save." Akihiko ended his long speech by hugging the hiccupped crying boy. Misaki could not believe himself. There's too many information but what he only could heard that Akihiko was happy with him. This statement only managed to make him blush.

"Sorry for crying. I'm just like an idiot."

"Yeah, you're an idiot."

"Akihiko-san!" Misaki glared at the man. Akihiko just smiled.

"So…what's now?" Misaki was afraid to ask this. What will happen after this? How this will change their relationship. Hell, he also didn't know what their relationship at the first place. He thought at first, the man will be his master for the rest of his life but now it entirely different matter. What he need to do…?

"I honestly don't know. Maybe we could just stay like usual, however I… I really want for us to take another step…" The last line was just mumbled out from Akihiko. Honestly, he was also afraid. Afraid of making the boy hates him. He regretted of raping the boy's in the first place. He blamed on his blood lust and his slight sadistic mind. Anyway, he could not stomach the fact that he raped him, bonded him to this unsuspected relationship.

Misaki on the other hand felt like a hope shone in his heart, 'taking another step… does he's meant what I thinking…'

"What do you meant? Do you want… us …?"

Akihiko was silenced in few seconds before answered "Yes. If you want to."

"Do you didn't wish for it…" Misaki looked to the man, eyes locked.

"I assure you I really wish for it." With that Akihiko pushed his body and immediately, he planted a kiss on the boy's lips. It last for a few seconds, leaving a shock Misaki. Without any delay, Misaki sprang from his seat and kissed the man hard as they tumbled to the bed.

"Eager are we?" Akihiko teased the blushing boy. Misaki looked away before smiled. A very bright smile.

~0~

"… so you must know that a few things to complete our bond. One considering from your inheritance. A Natural Crafter must willingly give a small portion of their magic to be infused with their mate. From my part, I must willingly give you my blood so that the bond will strengthen and you will become a vampire too. Do you understand what this means Misaki…"

"…saki…Misaki….MISAKI!" Misaki jolted from his mindscape, turning his face to Chiaki.

"Are you day dreaming again? You're sure day dreaming a lot these past few days. The class had finally over. You say something on getting work done. So, do you have any time before that, I need to ask you something." Chiaki slung his bag while gazing to the said brunette. Misaki easily agreed, taking his bag and both went along the cafeteria. It was a few days before the ball and the air around filled with excitement. Misaki did not know how to respond to this. After endless persuading, finally Akihiko agreed for him to go as a student. After Misaki stated that he didn't want for his secret to be opened and having people looking at him oddly, Akihiko finally surrendered. Not that he could win just from looking at Misaki's determined face. Their relationship changed significantly in this short few days. Although they didn't cross the line yet, they were eventually being more infatuated with each other. They slept together on the same bed which really shows how it's really changed. It's seemed Akihiko was giving Misaki some time to think but overall Misaki was quite satisfied with the outcome.

"I was thinking at pursuing on medical filed after I finished the academy. Although this is a military academy, I heard that there're new courses being offer for higher education level. One of them is as a pharmacist. Do you think I could do it, Misaki?" Chiaki looked at the boy really hoping for encouragement.

"Well, it's all depended on you actually. A medical field is a good choice. Just follow your heart. However, it's still early. You have two more years before you graduated. You could think along the line and come up with a good choice. Anyway, it's good that you have a goal to achieve." Misaki said, trying to ease his friend worries.

"Well,well,well, look who is here? It's the little Takahashi. What with the mature speech. Someone with a low birth like you two should worry about those things. Not like it will help you really. It's just someone who is a low birth should know that he will be always a low birth." A voice from behind greeted them. They both spun just to growl in distaste.

"What do you want Takashima Takuya? Just leave us alone." Takashima just smirked and together with his small group of student laughed at them both.

"Well, you took our sit so kindly please go away. You lowly life have not right to sit there." Misaki just glared at him. Takashima Takuya is a spoilt rich brat. His father is a high ranking officer. He treats anybody who didn't come from rich family as low life and someone to bully. His group of friends is also similar to him. Brat who just had more fortune than others… Well, not like Misaki cared but his constant insult stroke a nerve at him making him angry. He hated when someone look at other with disdain because of their birth. So what if Chiaki is just a son of a normal working citizen. It's not like it is a sin.

"You're the one who should go away. Just leave us alone. It's not like it had something to do with you. You're just a brat, lavishing on their parents fortune. Ha! I bet you could never survive working your own ass off." Misaki glared at the said boy.

Takashima's face burned in anger. "HOW DARE YOU, LOWLY LIFE!" As Takashima ready to attack Misaki with his fire element, a hand caught his wrist making him lost his focus and his fire cease from attacking.

"May I know what are you doing to Misaki-sama?" A low treating voice whispered from the back. Misaki who look to the man at the back exclaimed in shock.

"Kisa! What are doing here?" Kisa pushed Takashima to the ground, making his way to Misaki.

"Are you ok, Misaki-sama? He didn't do anything to you, right?"

"I'm ok, Kisa. I can handle it myself you know." Misaki shot a glare. Kisa could just chuckle. Takashima who stun earlier composed himself before he got to his feet.

"Who the fuck are you?" Takashima glared. He stretched his hand ready to attack. Kisa just smirked before taking his ID out showing his rank in the Black Devil.

"Kisa Shouta. A third level officer. Nice to meet you." Takashima paled drastically when looking at the ID. To meet a level-3 officer at the academy, he must on important mission.

"We will not forget this, Takahashi." With that, the cowards sprang away. They three could just laugh loudly on their cowardice.

"Oh, before I forgot. This is Yoshino Chiaki, he is my classmate. Chiaki, this is Kisa Shouta, my best friend. Although he looks young but actually he is thirty years old." Chiaki's eyes widen in shock hearing this statement.

"Are you joking?"

"Yeah, yeah I get that reaction a lot. Anyway, why do you call me Kisa while you call him Chiaki. You should call me Shouta." Kisa made his dramatic over ratted drama in middle of the café. Misaki could just sigh.

"Well, the thing is Shouta seemed like a kid name. And didn't you say you hate that name. So, that's why I called you Kisa." Misaki answered.

"Well… if you put that way." Chiaki and Misaki just chuckled looking at the kicked puppy expression.

"Anyway, why do you here? Didn't you have work at the border?" Misaki asked, intrigued with his friend's motive of being here.

"Guess what. I had a special surprise for you." Kisa showed his mischief smile.

"What supr…" Before he could finished, a loud male voice called his name.

"MISAKI!" Misaki spun to the front door and instantly his face lit with happiness.

"NI-CHAN!" Immediately, Misaki was engulfed in his brother embrace. He admitted that he really missed his older brother. He's always there supporting him during his childhood and now had to be separated from his brothers were a test that he had to endure.

"I really missed you, Misaki." Takahiro ruffled his brown hair, making it messier. Misaki could just smiled and frown when his brother continued to riffle his hair.

"Ni-chan stops it."

"Haha you always hate when people played with your hair." Takahiro said.

Misaki could just grunt. "Anyway, why are here? I thought you were in Astra."

"Oh, I will be attending the Yule ball. It's an official work so it's ok to leave the country. You remember Todou, he helped a lot in the castle as an advisor and general. Without him, I don't know how to survive." Takahiro sighed in tiredness.

"Oh… good luck for that." Misaki smiled.

"Yeah, I really need it." After that, Misaki excused himself saying to Chiaki of wanting to catch up with his older brother. Takahiro on the other was thrilled to learn that his brother was happy and now had a proper education. He just smiled throughout Misaki's story of the man, Akihiko. He's thankful that the man treats his brother with so much care and he took delight that his brother seemed to be happy. There's nothing he wished for right now for just his brother to be happy. Well, maybe it was too early to wish.

~0~

The day of the ball finally come. All students were very excited as they could see their king and as well as having dances others student. There's also many important figure from other kingdom as well as the Black Devil's officer. Being an officer in Black Devil had being many student's dream. That's why many youngsters joined the academy as it is the only chance for them to be selected to become an office. Being an officer in the Black Devil had many privilege and power and both this thing bring a good fortune and fame. So that's why student idolized the inner circle officer as they were the highest ranking officer apart from the king who is the most powerful one.

Misaki together with Chiaki wore a simple suit, one with a plain black robe. Akihiko gave him many expensive and stunning clothes but he just too shy and uncomfortable to wears so he just opted with the plain robe.

"Oh, I couldn't wait to see the king. People said that he was very handsome. He is so powerful. Managed to conquer other small kingdoms with just over two years. He was so amazing." The girls were talking nonstop about Akihiko. Misaki could just smile. So, Akihiko-san is famous…

"Hey, Misaki. Want to take a bit. I heard that there are many delicious foods." Chiaki pulled the brunette together. Misaki could just roll his eyes, knowing his friend's endless stomach. Misaki took some sandwiches while Chiaki took some cake, saying that he could not wait for dessert. And then it's happened. The door burst opened, people stopped talking and announcement was made.

"Announcing the arrival of King Usami, the king of Antitheus to the ball." Akihiko gracefully walked to the prepared table together with other delegation. Misaki recognized Ijuuin and the boy who was with him the other day. And then there's his brother with his official uniform. Takahiro is the new king of Astra. After the whole event happened in Astra, Akihiko left the charged on maintaining the kingdom in the hand of Takahiro. The kingdom fall under Antitheus's protection but given the chance to still being ruled by someone who appointed by Akihiko. It is similar to other small kingdoms who were conquered by Akihiko. It helped for Akihiko to run the kingdom smoothly. As Akihiko sat on his chair like throne, he managed to send a quick glance to Misaki which make Misaki's to blush. He could still felt the man lips on him when they had a heavy snogging session before going to the ball. The man smirk confirmed that he know what he thinking about. Misaki shot a glare to him, feeling infuriated when the man kept smirking.

"Oh, someone look angry…" A voice from his side startled him. Misaki spun to the side, relief to see Kisa was the one who spoke.

"Why are you also here? Last time I check that I had put you on the schedule on the main gate protection." Misaki raised his left eyebrow.

"Oh, you so cruel, Misaki-sama. I also want to enjoy the ball." Kisa said with fake tears. Misaki couldn't manage to answer as Chiaki come to his side.

"Misaki…why is your brother is at the same table as the king. Do they know each other?" Chiaki eyed the king and his friend's brother. The table is only for other kingdom delegation and high ranking officer. Surely that…

"Well, how I want to put it… My brother is a king. Actually I came from the kingdom of Astra."

"So you meant that you're a PRINCE!" Chiaki gad to cover his mouth as he shouted at the last word. Misaki pulled the boy closer.

"Yeah, put don't tell anyone about it. It's not that I'm a real prince. My brother becomes a king because he was appointed by King Usami. Do you remembered about the protection law that we learned in the history. Well, Astra Kingdom is sorts like fall under that law." Chiaki eyes wide in understanding and nodded his head.

"Well, it's really didn't shock me now as you surely well-educated and more knowledgeable than I am. I heard that you managed a perfect score in your skill test." Chiaki just chuckled when Misaki blushed because of the compliment. For someone who is so powerful, Misaki is surely a modest person. Not one he remembered that he use his power to cause other people's harm although he always being insult by the rich kids.

Misaki chatted and the ball moves to a more exciting part. It's the dance part. Chiaki excused himself, saying he needed to get to his date while Misaki just leant to the wall, having no date to dance with.

"Well, well, it's Takahashi again. Do not have a date? Haha, as there is anyone who wants to dance with low life like you. Maybe you should just go home." Takashima with his group came insulting Misaki. He glanced to the boy, fighting to role his eyes at the boy's expensive clothes. He bet it cost some fortune. Misaki just ignored the boy, not wanting to cause any scene.

"What are you mute? Not only stupid but coward. Haha, that's a low life for you." That's when Misaki felt a shift in the aura around. He didn't know what it meant but instant told him that it's something dangerous. He darted around trying to find the source and was shocked to see unknown aura but without any body. Quickly he remembered that only a spell could do this. A cloaking spell and somehow this alerted him. Why did the figure need to use a cloaking spell which drained their magic rapidly? It's clicked when the figure hurriedly went towards Akihiko and Misaki's eyes wide in understanding. He ran while shouting to the name of the man he loved.

"AKIHIKO-SAN. WATCH OUT." Akihiko who heard the scream immediately raised a shield secondly before a sword came clashing to the shield. Immediately the sword disappeared into a thin air. The commotion caused panics and this made the Black Devil to spring into action. Misaki without wasting any time, dashed to the man, feeling relieved that Akihiko is ok.

"Are you ok, Akihiko-san?" Misaki asked while eyeing the invisible man. The panics caused people to scream and many tried to leave the hall. The invisible figure sprung to another attack with being easily deflected by Akihiko.

"Can you see the figure too?" Akihiko asked the brunette. Misaki just nodded, focusing on the other figure. It's seemed there are two of them.

"We could finish this. A cloaking spell drains too much magic and energy. If we managed to tire them out, we could attack them when they were weak." Misaki commended. Akihiko was amused but he was proud that Misaki could make a strategy in the nick of time. Akihiko just hummed in agreement. The Black Devil went on managing the other attacker. Apparently, there are more attackers came after the first attack. The teachers put around a huge shield around the students after they had being gathered together. Nowaki and Hiroki chanted together creating a dome while making sure that the students calm down. The students watched as the Black Devil fought with the enemies.

"That's stupid Misaki! Why he is still out there?!" Hiroki heard a student said that. He looked around and spotted Chiaki who was eyeing his friend in worry. Meanwhile, Misaki summoned his water element familiar, a water serpent. The creature wrapped around the figure, constricting the movement. However, his enemy proved to be a skillful person he managed to free from the serpent by pulling it away and casted an ice spell locking the serpent in an ice block. Misaki cancel the conjuring pushed his wind element to the man. He constricted his movement while giving the canted a fire spell, which swirling around the man in a fire typhoon. This action proved to be success when the cloaking spell was brought down revealing the attacker. This meant that it was now his chance to take him down. With a dash, he threw ball of fire to the man, making him move to the wall and second he touched the wall, Misaki clapped and a catch of earth came wrapping the man, caging him. Misaki send a stunner before spun back looking for Akihiko. Akihiko also managed to catch the man and now was unconscious. The Black Devil took the fugitive away. Misaki could see that his brother also joined the little fighting.

Misaki looked up to the Akihiko, feeling relieved. Akihiko also had the same smile before it turned to horror.

"MISAKI!"

Misaki had seconds to register before a sharp dagger penetrated him through his chest. His eyes were wide in shock and his lips mumbled Akihiko's name before passed out. Akihiko managed to grab the boy before he fell to the floor, turning him.

"Misaki! Misaki! Wake up. Misaki." He desperately held the brunette, not missing the dagger. He looked around in anger, wanting to know the one who responsible. However, the man was already on the ground bleeding with Kisa slashing him up. He sent an order of wanting the man to be alive to Kisa. He could not wait to torture the said man…

Darting his eyes to the still body in his hand, he debate on whether to this right now. He could feel the blood soaking his clothes and the feel someone came to his side. Takahiro was there trying to see his brother. But he held him, tightly in his arm, not missing the pale face and the spreading blood. His heart raced not liking that Misaki losing more blood ad how pale he is.

"Usami-san, how's my brother? Will he gonna be ok?" Takahiro brushed the brown hair, trying desperate to see his brother opened his eyes again. Akihiko stared at the brunette, feelling the puff breathe as the boy exhale. He need to this, he need for Misaki to stay alive. He rather like for Misaki to hate him than having to live this whole life without him. He could not imagine having to live without his present by his side. He stared longingly at the boy face, knowing this action will change the boy entirely.

"There's only one thing to do…" Akihiko took out the dagger out from Misaki. Immediately he cut his wrist, gaining a shock gasp from the crowd. Without wasting anytime, he poured the blood into Misaki mouth, praying that the method will work. It's seemed like eternity before Misaki opened his eyes. But it's not the usual emerald eyes. A pair of crimson eyes stared back at him. Akihiko had seconds before Misaki pushed him to the floor, a pair of sharp fangs penetrated his neck, blood flow with ease.

"Easy, love. There's plenty more blood for you…" Akihiko patted the brunette. Hugging him tightly he pushed them together to a sitting position, repositioning the brunette making him easier to drink from him. He could see many students gaped at the intimacy and he didn't know how Misaki will handle the upcoming problem. Takahiro watched the scene with shock, not believing his brother to act like that. After a while, the brunette eased up, pulling his fangs out before licking the punctured hole. He snuggled at the man's neck, feeling content before going to sleep. Akihiko carried the boy in his arms addressing his men to handle the situation before taking his love home, away from the public eyes. His heart sent sharp pain, knowing that he had changed Misaki into a vampire for good. There's no turning back anymore and he just hoped his decision will not haunt him for good.

~End of chapter 10~

AN: SO, how do you think? Ha-ha please leave a review, It's really light up my hectic day.