Author note: Right well heres the next chapter, sorry for the wait but it is a bit longer so I hope that makes up for it. Once again I'd like to thank all of you who took the time to review...without further ado enjoy ^-^
Fangs
It proved difficult for Zero to wake up the next morning, caught between dreams and awareness the pains that had plagued him last night seemed like nothing more than a vague memory, but they weren't. Slowly surfacing from his unconscious mind his senses returned to him and with it came pain, the sharp searing pains that had overwhelmed him making every movement almost unbearable had now receded to a dull ache. Realising that there was no point in trying to go back to sleep Zero dragged himself out of bed and made his way to the small bathroom, while walking he noticed that the wash cloth Ichiru had given him was still resting on his shoulder. Unwilling to look at it he adjusted the cloth and pressed it down covering the scar.
Entering the small bathroom he avoided looking directly in the mirror and instead chose to focus on the cool water that still filled the sink; soaking the cloth he wiped away the sweat that covered him in a light sheen. Slightly refreshed he gathered his courage and forced himself to look in the mirror.
The image of his brother stared back.
He looked pale, his eyes reflected nothing but fatigue and it seemed as though it was taking all his strength just to stand. Moving his hand Zero finally revealed the Hunter seal that marked his neck; the wound stood out against his skin, a faded scar which could easily be mistaken for a tattoo.
It was unnatural; he knew that his father had used a hunters' spell to accelerate his healing but this was too much, instead of only looking days old it looked as if at least a week had passed.
The sound of shattering glass filled the room as Zeros' fist collided with the mirror. Pain laced up his arm as fragments of glass buried themselves deep into his hand. He didn't care; his eyes were focused on his own fractured image reflected within the glass, the hand that clasped his neck, fierce amethyst eyes and the nails that dragged across his skin allowing fresh blood to flow down his neck.
"Zero stop!"
Zero jerked when a hand grasped his arm; his fathers' eyes awash with a mix of shock, fear and concern bore into him.
Gradually so as not to cause further harm, his father gently pulled his ruined hand from the splintered wreckage that had once been the bathroom mirror. As it came free the shards of glass lodged in his hand shifted causing blood to run freely down his fingers, but Zero no longer felt it, he couldn't feel anything.
With the arrival of his father Zero had retreated into the depths of his own mind; unable to deal with both the physical and mental strain of recent events. He by no means passed out, but his eyes became clouded and his body became numb as a deep feeling of cold settled within his chest. He was still aware of his surroundings but he felt detached as though his body was no longer his own. His father guided him back into the room sitting him down on the edge of the bed before disappearing upstairs returning moments later with a small first aid kit.
He watched as his father cleaned the deep lacerations on his hand, barely even flinching as the shards of glass were removed. When his hand was treated and bandaged his father turned his attention to Zero's neck. He didn't resist when his father drew his hand away exposing the marks, the scratches had already stopped bleeding however Akihiro still cleaned the wound and wrapped a thin layer of gauze around his neck, completely hiding the scar.
Once he was finished his father sat beside him but said nothing, allowing Zero to come out of his shocked state in his own time. It worked; Zero's eyes became less clouded and his tense body language eased, however he was still unwilling to meet his fathers' gaze.
Seeing his son relax slightly Akihiro took a deep breath to calm his own nerves as he wondered how to start.
"I called Yagari, he should be here in a few days" he paused not knowing how to continue; "this time you'll leave with him, Zero."
Zero remained quiet so his father continued "you'll stay with Kaien Cross until you're old enough to take a full apprenticeship under Yagari. The training will be hard but at this point it's the only path left for you."
Silence dominated the room as Zero took in what his father had just said. He would be allowed to leave with Yagari sensei, his suspicions instantly flared; he almost felt like laughing, a laugh filled with scorn and suffering bordering on madness, but he didn't.
All thoughts of suspicion slowly faded however when he saw the guilt hidden in his fathers' features. With his mind becoming clearer one question managed to creep into his thoughts.
When Zero spoke his voice was low but clear "what about Ichiru?"
Akihiro sighed "Ichiru can't become a hunter; I know he has trained alongside you with Yagari but… Ichiru is not capable of becoming a hunter, he-"
The words his father spoke seemed to grow fainter, they washed over him like cold water as he heard them; frozen by their meaning, His mind was completely focused on one thought "it's my fault."
He and Ichiru had always talked about following in their sensei's footsteps when they were younger. Zero had excelled in both the combat and offensive spell training, but Ichiru was anything but weak; by using defensive spells and strategy he was able to keep up with Zero, although as time passed Ichiru's body began to weaken where as Zero only seemed to grow stronger.
"It's my fault."
…Flashback….
Zero watched as Yagari made his way back down the secluded road that lead to the house, he had accompanied his Shisho as far as the entrance to the road but had said goodbye when the edge of the town had come into view.
He knew he should head straight back to the house, but the soft evening breeze and warm sunlight was a welcome change.
As he was standing still he hadn't been prepared for the sudden impact that came from the side; "Zero!" stunned by the fact that he'd managed to maintain his balance he turned to see the happy face of his brother as he hugged him.
Taking his brother by the shoulder he pulled back to get a clearer look at his face; his brow furrowed as he took in the flushed features of his twin "You've got a fever you should be in bed Ichiru."
Ichiru's smile slipped as he leaned forward so he could rest his forehead against Zero's "I lied about being sick, Zero. But you knew that."
"You didn't want to see Shisho off?" Zero asked.
"I'm a dropout anyway so I'm of no use to him" he hugged Zero tightly "I'm fine as long as you're with me Zero."
Taking his brothers hand he began to make his way back up the forest path "Ichiru lets go home, Tou san and Ka san will be back soon." Before he could take another step Ichiru was hugging him again "Zero, you're amazing…you make up for all the things I lack, but please don't push yourself so hard."
Later that night their parents had yet to return, Zero lay in bed next to Ichiru "Ichiru, you do have a fever. It's because you were out in the cold." His voice was stern but there was no way he could hide the worry in his voice.
"Gomen" Ichiru's face was had a faint flush and his breathing was shallow only causing Zero more worry. "Wait here, I'm just going to get an ice pack."
As he got out of the bed Ichiru clung to his sleeve "please don't go, I feel better when you're with me Zero" moving back under the covers he hugged his brother close leaning his forehead against Ichiru's as his brother had done earlier "I'm not going anywhere Ichiru."
"Zero…will you really be able to kill? You're such a kind person" the question caught Zero off guard but he quickly recovered "don't worry Ichiru, that's why Shisho is teaching us" he began to close his eyes as he said this slowly drifting back to sleep, but what his brother said next left him wide awake.
"You think it's your duty…but you're trying to make up for me too."
His eyes snapped open and he held his brother closer "no, I'm not Ichiru." After that Ichiru fell asleep due to his high fever and Zero soon followed.
By the next morning their parents were back and Zero was once again locked in his dark cell.
…Flashback….
"The fact that Ichiru has been sickly since birth…it's my fault…"
"-ro"
"I stole something from my other half… while we were in mothers' womb…"
"-ero"
"I stole from him…and made it mine…"
"Zero"
"Just like a Vampire"
"Zero!"
A hand grasped his shoulder drawing him away from his own self destructive reverie. On reflex he struck out batting the hand away from him. He was met once again with the concerned gaze of his father.
Returning his thought to the present situation he knew one thing. He could never bring himself to completely trust his father; not after what he had done; again and again his trust had been broken, so what had changed?
"Why?" the question was bitten out with a somewhat cynical edge.
Sorrow flashed across Akihiro's face before he could hide it behind a small smirk; he knew Zero didn't believe in him but there was one fact that neither of them could deny. "Because…despite all I have done… all the mistakes I have made… you are my son."
With that said Akihiro left the room not willing to face the rejection he knew he deserved.
Zero simply remained where he was and tried to regain the cold feeling of numbness that had possessed him earlier. At this point it appeared a far better option than dealing with the tumultuous emotions that were currently overtaking him.
Ω
Ichiru returned to his room just as the first rays of sunlight began to break over the horizon; unable to sleep he had watched the sun rise until his mother came into wake him.
He had spent the day avoiding his parents; his mind still filled with memories of the hauntingly beautiful woman made him lose confidence in his ability to hide his true feelings, so with the excuse that he had not fully recovered from his fever he had spent most of the day in his room.
He now sat in the small seat just below his bedroom window staring out at the snow covered field allowing his mind to wonder as he contemplated the words she had spoken to him.
…Flashback….
"Will you help this one? This Shizuka Hio"
Ichiru was beginning to wonder whether he had fallen asleep on his way upstairs but then again he doubted he could imagine such a scene.
The power of her gaze entranced him; her eyes glowed in the faint moonlight, drawing him in. All the fears that had plagued him and the pain that wracked his small form ebbed away in her presence. He didn't even notice that he was walking towards her, as he drew closer she gracefully descended from the top of the tree; when she landed the only sounds that accompanied her were the light flutter of moving fabric and of course the small chime of a bell.
She crouched in the snow as she stared at Ichiru. Immediately the image of a predator stalking its prey jumped to the forefront of his mind and his heart leapt into his throat as she continued to study him. A light blush tinged his cheeks and he was forced to avert his eyes in order to hide it, too late to go unnoticed by the inquisitive beauty that knelt before him.
"He heh" a small chuckle escaped her as she tilted her head to once again capture the boys' gaze "you and I have the same eyes; full of sorrow, regret…and something darker" her smile as she said these words did not quite reach her eyes. "Perhaps we can help each other?"
Facing the woman once more his eyes hid none of the emotion that stirred within his soul. Still he could not find the strength to answer her.
Lowering her gaze she sighed "it would seem for the moment you do not have an answer."
As she made to leave Ichiru found himself wanting to reach out to stop her; as if sensing this she met his eyes for the last time.
"I will see you again" she said as she turned "when you understand what you truly want…when you desire to step out of your cage" as she spoke the petals of the sakura tree swarmed around her whipped up in a sudden cold wind "we will meet again." By the time the flurry had cleared she was gone.
…Flashback….
He had replayed the memory several times now but each time it ended a great feeling of loss would engulf him.
What had she wanted? The thought dogged him as he continued to stare out the window at the darkening skies. There was one thing he was certain of, she had not been human. However captivated he was by her presence there was no way he could ignore the aura of power that surrounded her.
If it was her-
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of something breaking downstairs followed by the raised voice of his mother.
Walking out of his room he crouched behind the banister as he looked through the railing to see his parents in the hall below him. His father leaned against the opposite wall; a small cut on his cheek and the shattered remains of a vase on the floor beside him, they were obviously fighting again.
"Saika control yourself…for once you need to listen to me" his father all but growled.
"How dare you!" the resentment in her voice was badly concealed. "I have listened to you…I chose to listen to you and Yagari all those years ago instead of following the orders of the society…I ignored my duty and bore that monster into this world!" Akihiro tried to interrupt but she continued "yes because I listened to you Ichiru was spared…my true son was spared but ever since then I have had to watch as he continues to lose his strength!"
Akihiro refused to back down "that is why Zero will go with Yagari-" before he could go any further she cut him off.
"You should have sent him to the society where he could have been properly tamed!" she snapped.
Akihiro narrowed his eyes "no matter what you believe he is not a vampire…he is our s-"
"I will kill him myself before I see him freed" the chill in her voice was like a knife to Ichiru's heart.
"No"
Ichiru ran but the words followed him as he sped back into his bedroom. Grabbing his coat that was slung over a chair he threw his window open and escaped out of the house into the darkening night. He slid down the small roof outside his window stopping just before he reached the edge; looking down he spotted a particularly deep snow drift about six feet below him, with no further consideration he jumped from the roof; making sure to roll as he hit the ground allowing him to land smoothly and continue running toward the perimeter of trees surrounding the house.
He knew what he had to look for but while his eyes searched he couldn't prevent his mind from wondering. They were going to send Zero away but it wouldn't be with Yagari sensei like his father naively hoped, no they would send him to the Hunters society; that women would make sure of that. If not she would kill him…without mercy, without remorse she would kill Zero.
Fear of what the society would do with Zero nearly crippled Ichiru as he continued to search; the society would see him as a weapon, a tool to be used until there was nothing left. Just like his mother they wouldn't see the difference between Zero and the level E vampires they had 'tamed'.
He was snapped back to attention when his eyes caught the flash of colour he had been searching for. Time froze for him as the delicate pink petals glided towards him; lifting his eyes he followed the trail the petals left in the snow until he found her. Leaning against a Sakura tree that glowed with ethereal light against the darkness that surrounded it; "we meet again" her voice was as soft as he remembered and he would have lost himself to it had it not been for the emotions that drove him to find her.
He hesitated for a moment as the gravity of what he was about to ask hit him but only for a moment; the second he remembered the torture his brother had endured he was able to sweep away the feelings of guilt that had begun to rise up inside him.
"Last night you asked if I would help you but you didn't tell me what it is you want?" he asked.
The corner of her mouth twitched; in answer she almost lazily raised her hand extending it towards him. Barely an inch remained between them when she stopped; her fingers halted by a barrier that gave off spark's of purple lightning in response to her touch.
Retracting her hand she examined the tips of her fingers as they rapidly healed "what I want is to punish those that took a precious existence from me."
Even though the cold air seared his throat he forced himself to speak "if I help you" his throat grew tight but he pressed forward "will you grant my request?"
Much like the night before she rose from her position by the tree to crouch before him so that they were on the same eye level, he held her gaze refusing to blink; if he blinked he would lose, he would expose his weakness and he knew for a fact she would kill him. "What would you have me do?" she questioned.
"My brother." He took a breath to steady himself "please help me free him…if you can do that, I will help you."
She raised her hand palm facing upwards and extended it to Ichiru "all you need do is take my hand" her anticipation came in the form of a low purr in the undertone of her voice "take my hand and the barrier will no longer affect me, I will be able to save your brother and have my revenge."
Slowly, tentatively he raised his hand. If he did this there would be no turning back.
"It would seem that our desires intersect" as she said this the smile that adorned her features became heavenly; Ichiru couldn't help but smile back the irony that he was making a deal with a demon was not wasted on him.
Never the less he took her hand.
Author's note: Right well I hope you enjoyed this chapter... just a heads up we'll be getting to the more interesting stuff next chapter so for those of you who are squeamish be warned there will be a lot of blood (insert evil laugh). If you enjoyed this chapter, or there's someting that you didn't like about it, or you think thats theres something I can improve on or if you've noticed a mistake then please, please, please REVIEW!