Animus

Chapter Two

-Succession-

Akito sat in a throne at the head of a large room, staring at the three young vampires before him. He flexed his fingers, glancing down at his claws and seeing his reflection shine in the nail. His sharp green eyes took in his appearance, and he was pleased to see that his somewhat spiky ebony hair wasn't out of place in the slightest. He wanted to look perfect and authoritative for what was about to come.

As the three men stopped before him, he rose. They were in order according to age, as he had requested. On the left stood his oldest grandson, Sakimori, a quiet, almost timid man with his mother's violet eyes, and the signature black hair of the Uchiha Clan, though the white tips fell into his eyes a bit. He had the harsh features of his father, but the kind expression on his face tempered that initial expression. Next to him stood his other grandson, Kurogané, a serious man with cold jade eyes. His raven hair was spiked somewhat wildly, a thick white strip of hair on the left side of his head. He had strong features, nearly a mirror image of his father. And last but not least, Ryousuke, a vampire that had inherited Akito's forest green depths through his father, but unlike the others of his Clan, had bright, golden blonde hair. He kept it short, not wanting the strands to get in his face or near his eyes, the way his relatives seemed to like it to be styled. While he had the signature Uchiha looks, there was a softness to his face that he got from his mother, making him appear deceptively approachable.

"I have called the three of you here for a very important reason." Akito announced, clasping his hands behind his back. "As you know, the role of the head of the clan is passed down through the generations. In recent years I have begun to tire of these duties, and am now looking for a successor. Each of you is a potential candidate for the role."

Ryousuke blinked. "You mean…we each have an equal chance of having the honor of being your successor?"

The elder man nodded. "Yes."

Sakimori lowered his head respectfully. "I do not understand sire. I thought that…I mean…" he paused, trying not to sound nervous.

Akito held in a sigh. "Spit it out Sakimori. I do not have much patience today." he said.

"I didn't know it was…something debated…after all…you took Great-Uncle Itachi's place…and he took his father's…" the dark haired man swallowed. "I figured…it was the oldest."

He smirked. "I took over because I was the only successor available. Uncle Itachi did so because he was better suited for the task." He explained. "And that is why the three of you are all candidates. You have each shown different areas you are stronger in. Besides, you're so close in age, being the oldest really doesn't hold much leverage over your cousins."

Sakimori nodded. "I was only curious Grandfather."

"If that is the case, then why didn't you hand it over to any of your sons?" Ryousuke asked.

Kurogané glanced over at him. "You really think putting up a contest between any of them was going to end well?" he asked, arching a brow. "They would have killed one another until only one stood, along with my mother."

"Exactly." Akito nodded, pleased with his grandson's explanation. "It was just easier to wait for the next generation. Now, on to what you must do." He said, getting their attention once more. "The Witches are up to something, but we do not know what. Their movements have changed recently, and they have begun to gather. Usually when they get together in larger numbers like this, it spells trouble for the magical world. So, whichever of you can figure out what they are plotting, and foil their plans, will be named my successor."

"Why can't we just fight for it? Clearly the strongest of us is the most deserving of the title of Head of the Uchiha." Kurogané said, making his elder chuckle.

"Do not seem so eager Kurogané, it makes your ambition that much more obvious." Akito said. "While strength is important, cunning and wisdom is as well. It will take all three to complete this task."

Ryousuke smirked, crossing his arms. "Then I'm gonna win this one." He said confidently.

Sakimori huffed, though it was soft. "I can definitely win." He mumbled.

Kurogané rolled his eyes. "Please. It's no contest as to who the victor will be."

Akito chuckled, a somewhat dark look coming to his face. This contest was going to be interesting, that was for sure. And he was looking forward to seeing just how far his grandsons would go in order to take over the clan. Because in moments like that are when a person's true colors show.

Kurogané walked into his sister's room, finding her sitting at her vanity and admiring her looks through the enchanted glass that allowed vampires to see their reflections. Her eyes were a stormy grey, framed by long ebony hair, a white streak on the right side of her head instead of the left, like him. He went up behind her, meeting her gaze in the glass and earning a small smile.

"Kuro!" she smiled.

"Hello Zuzu." He said, picking up the comb on the dresser and beginning to brush through her long locks. "You are looking lovelier than usual tonight, are you going out with Kairi again?"

"Not tonight." The dark haired beauty giggled. "Mother and I are going on a special hunt."

He arched a brow. "How special?" he asked, running his fingers through the silky strands right after he brushed them.

"Tasty…fresh…and young blood…" her smile turned into a dark smirk.

Kurogané chuckled. "How exciting." He said, setting down the brush. "Grandfather has decided to step down as Clan Head." He told her.

Izumi blinked, turning in her chair and looking up at her brother. "Has he really now?" she wondered aloud. "And so you are a candidate?"

He nodded. "Along with Sakimori and Ryousuke, since we are the eldest. Though I am not worried. While I admit they are almost as clever as I am, I am stronger. So it's not much of a contest."

She smiled, nodding as well. "Of course brother, you are amazing. No one is as powerful as you are." she said, standing and hugging him tightly as she rested her head on his chest. "So what must you do?"

Kurogané wrapped his arms around her, returning her embrace. "Whoever discovers the newest plot of the witches, and ruins it, will be named the successor. So nothing too difficult."

Izumi made a small stink face, as if the word itself caused her discomfort. "Witches…those gross hags?"

"Yes." He smiled slightly.

"It must be unfortunate…being so ugly." She sighed, snuggling against him before pulling away.

He chuckled. "You will never have to know what being undesired is like, dear sister." He said, stroking her cheek. "I must leave now, in order to begin my task. Enjoy hunting with mother, and tell her I shall return as soon as I can."

"Of course." She said, kissing his cheek. "Be careful brother."

"As always, sister." Kurogané assured, kissing her forehead before turning and leaving her chambers, off to begin an adventure that was sure to change his life forever.