Author's Notes: Yes! I'm still alive! Well, I'm still on schedule...right? I hope that you'll like this chapter though I have not reviewed this chapter that much... tee~ hee~! ・:*(〃∇〃人)*:・
still, I hope that you'll like it. You know, what with work and everything, one can't help but miss being a perfectionist, ohohoho~! ヽ(｡ゝω・｡)ﾉ
And to those who liked that... oh, you know... the lemons, thanks, I'm shy (⁄ ⁄^⁄ᗨ⁄^⁄ ⁄) hahaha! Yaoooooiiii! (v〃ω〃)八(〃ω〃v)
And I just realize that it been a month since I've started it! yay~! This baby is one month old already and we're already at the 9th chapter! yay~! ✩⃛∗·⁽⁽◞(˃◟̵◞̵˂⁎=͟͟͞͞ ⁎˃◟̵◞̵˂)◟⁾⁾·∗✩⃛
(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)
Chapter 09
Turning the Wheels of Fate
There was a buzz inside the Moon Dorm that night as the occupants eagerly waited for their Royal visitors to emerge from their room since they'd join them for their first class. The news about their princes and princesses' transfer to the Night Class was highly anticipated by the young vampires since it would be known for sure if the Chairman's second rule would indeed be satisfied. Despite the impossibility of it, it was not possible that the creatures holding the highest authority in their society would pettily lie. The lower-class vampires gathered at the foot of the stairs, anticipating how they'd look like while their king's closest confidants helped the children get ready.
Inside the pureblood's room, Akira, Kohaku and Naoto readied themselves for the night. They were together with their chichiue, Takuji, Hana-jiji, and Kat-jichan. Their father and uncles were already dressed and were just waiting for when they transformed to their teenage appearance. Their sisters were with Ruka-bachan and Rima-bachan in the other room across theirs.
"So, how will you do it?" Ichijou asked eager to see how a child would grow to a man right before their very eyes. He secretly wondered if it would be just like Fancy Lala-chan.
"It's nothing really worth watching. We'll just take this pill my sister made using her blood and that's it. Our limbs will grow and will take on the appearance of a grown up. It will stay like that for exactly 12 hours before we turn back to a child, so we'll have to take it every night before classes." Kohaku explained. He was wearing a bath robe too big for him, so were Akira and Naoto.
"Hey, it's time. We need to drink it now or we'll be late for class." Akira excitedly informed his twin.
Kohaku looked at the time. When he confirmed that it was time to change, he gave a pill each to his twin and youngest brother both who took it immediately.
The other's watched in amazement as the limbs of each child grew and their bodies fill the earlier loose robes with muscles and lean bodies. In no time at all, they saw before them the grown-up version of the three little children, marveling at their appearance.
The brunette twin proved to be a carbon copy of their king. It would seem like they have two Kanames currently stretching right before them. Naoto on the other hand proved to be a perfect mix of their pureblood leader and his mate but since he possessed silver hair and lilac eyes, one would tend to think that he looked more like the (future) consort.
They weren't able to utter anything, even Kaname. Not even a cry of wonder or surprise. They could only watch in silence as the children stretched their muscles before shrugging out of their robes to put on the white Night Class uniform.
"Ngh! It was a long time ago since we last did this." Akira reminisced while stretching out his arms.
"Hmmm. Wasn't it because of the trauma we had when nee-chan forced us to go to a ball in this form? We got swarmed by endless parents shoving their daughters to us for a dance." Kohaku shivered slightly, already putting on his uniform, once he remembered the nightmare that made him hate growing up.
"Ah… That's right… I had forgotten…" Akira mumbled, slumping down a little. Once lively eyes instantly turned blank. That horrible night came back to him and he remember how bad his feet hurt then. It was only psychosomatic, though. Even if he was a hybrid, he couldn't fight mental trauma. That made him shut up for a few days.
"Daijobu, daijobu, nii-chan. I'll protect you." Naoto assured in his messily put on uniform while patting his older brother's back.
"Nao!" Akira hugged his brother. "No, it's big brother who'll protect you!"
"Great, great. Now, that's enough. We need to hurry or we'll be late." Drawled Kohaku while shaking his head. Why did all of his siblings have the tendency to be so dramatic when neither of their fathers was ever so excitable? He sighed.
The others could only watch the exchange before them. The nobles stared blankly since the young twin brunettes looked a lot like their king. It was hard to process the fact. They had to mentally remind themselves that the one currently snuggling with the silver-haired teen, acting all childish and sweet, was not their king but his son.
Kaname found himself smiling. He felt really light. It was really unbelievable how great his future would turn out to be. The young king initially thought that he wouldn't ever have anyone he'd love more than his sister and parents. But here he was, currently feeling emotions that far surpassed even what he felt towards his surrogate family. Now, he could confidently say that he'd love no one more than he did his mate and children.
He felt his daughter outside the door so he willed it open to allow her entry. Even the powerful Vampire King stood in amazement once burgundy orbs fell on his two exquisite daughters who entered the room followed by Ruka and Rima. Both nobles gasped at the sight of the three grown boys.
The honey-haired vampire absentmindedly covered her mouth in astonishment at the two Kanames who were putting on their white blazers. It was incredible how much they looked like her beloved pureblood leader.
After a short greeting, Kaname watched his eldest come nearer her brothers while Suiren silently went to her father to hug him around the waist. He gently patted her head. Her silver tresses shone like moonlight which strongly reminded him of the same silver hair he now greatly missed. He smiled. Pride for all his offspring filling him to the brim. Greatly satisfied that he and his hunter made such beautiful children.
"You're still not finished? How come we beat you in readying and we're girls! You should be ashamed!" Scolded Anne. One dark eyebrow arched in judgement. She looked lovely wearing the white Night Class uniform, carrying it with effortless grace befitting royalty.
The aristocrats in the room were in awe at how much she looked like Kaname thereby looking a lot like their late queen, Juri Kuran, but with striking lilac eyes and big wavy curls. Eyes followed the oldest princess go to their youngest prince to help him straighten out his uniform.
"What have you been doing?"
"Akira has been fooling around." Kohaku listlessly confessed while inspecting himself on a full-length mirror, giving away his twin brother who smiled sheepishly at their older sister.
"I knew it." She just sighed before helping Naoto don his white blazer. "Come. Let me look at you three. I have to make sure that you won't bring shame to father." She imperiously inspected the three, both hands on her waist in a bossy manner.
"That would be impossible, Anne. You're all perfect."
The Night Class was a bit surprised at their leader's words but understood perfectly. They inwardly smiled when they saw the Moon Dorm president's contentment evident by his slight but satisfied smile.
"That's right. You're all very beautiful and handsome. No one will ever say otherwise, I assure you." Seconded Ichijou with his signature smile
Anne giggled and beamed. The princess felt very flattered and pleased even though she heard it countless of times already. She was glad that their father was pleased and proud of all of them. "Well, I guess you three passed." She nodded. "Shall we go, chichiue?"
After ascertaining the time, he assented. "Indeed, I believe it's time."
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When the gates opened signaling the start of the crossover, all the mortal girls, even some boys, began to squeal and shout the names of their favorite Night Class student. They were more rowdy than usual since the three prefects that were supposed to stop them were obviously preoccupied. It was highly noticeable that the guardians were distracted that was why they all took the chance to try their luck and get as close as possible to the famous dreamboats of the Night Class.
The march would have turned into a bloody war because of the inattention of the three prefects. Yuki and Ichiru's mind were still both occupied by blonds whereas Zero was feeling lethargic.
He was exhausted because a certain bastard refused to let go the whole night. The hunter was too tired to go to class that morning and even now that it was dark, his body had yet to recover. He didn't have the strength to even shout at the pesky little monsters who were tormenting him with their shrill voices.
Zero took a deep breath and was just readying himself to bellow when the crowd suddenly fell silent. When his direction flew to the Night Class, he understood the reason for he was also startled by the sight.
If he didn't know that Kaname was an only child and that his young twin brunettes would be attending the Night Class in their teenage form, he would have thought that Kaname was a triplet and those were his twins walking on either side of him. He marveled at how uncanny they looked alike. They could definitely stand in as Kaname in a crowd and no one would know. The only difference they had was the aura each brunettes possessed; Kaname wore his sophisticated mask, Kohaku had an indifferent expression whereas Akira sported an amused and boyish grin. Said expression undoubtedly enamored many of the Night and Day Class students. Kaname actually wearing a boyish grin; it could kill.
Light lavender orbs travelled to the stunningly beautiful lady besides Akira. He stared at her lovely face that greatly resembled the male brunettes besides her, with her long dark brown hair flirting with the wind in a mesmerizing way with her light lilac eyes bright with elation. Anne looked celestial as she walked with such grace and elegance that would shame all models and beauty queens. Her smile turned even more charming when she spotted him which he returned with a small but fond one of his own.
Fond fatherly gaze next fell on the youngest twin silverettes who were on Kohaku's side. He had to sigh at how enchanting they looked. Suiren looked ethereal with her long silver straight hair, radiant lilac eyes and milky white skin against the white Night Class uniform. Against the night sky, she looked translucent and glowing like a wingless angel in the darkness and with Naoto who she tangled her arms with, they were a sight to behold. Naoto looked as immaculate as his twin and as breathtaking. The young Adonis was like a Grecian god carved from the purest and whitest alabaster.
The silver prefect internally smiled at the truth it presented. They really were a mix of his and Kaname's features and they looked so beautiful. Their light-colored features shone against the shadows of the night. They looked like a pair of dolls with Suiren's arm around her twin.
He might be biased saying it himself but he thought that no vampire, even with their inhumanly gorgeous looks, would ever be able to surpass his children's loveliness.
Kaname was very amused by all their reaction. He couldn't blame any of them, however. Even the whole Night Class fell silent when all of them went down earlier. He saw the slack-jawed expression of every vampire who beheld the charming visions. There would have been a mighty confusion of who he was amongst the three male brunettes if only there was no difference with their aura. They stared in awe at their beauty for even in a vampire's standard, his children topped all the charts of their aesthetic senses.
While everyone was busy holding their breaths to take in the beauty of the new arrivals, two blonds of the Night Class actually took this chance to look at their beloveds. Ichijou spotted Yuki whom he greeted in his most magnanimous smile while waving in her direction. She returned it with an equally cheerful smile. It made them look like two innocent elementary students whereas Hanabusa, who didn't mind not being noticed for once by his fans for he was busy looking at the younger silverette, sharply turned his head to Ichiru's direction.
The brief meeting of their gazes made the silverette jolt visibly before turning away reflexively in a bid to avoid the piercing gaze. The younger Kiryū immediately regretted it and inwardly cursed himself. He was only digging his grave by further confirming his feelings with his actions.
Without words, Suiren unhinged her arms around her twin to run towards Zero after spotting him. Her smile managed to further stun the Day Class students who watched the new faces in the parade.
The crowd just belatedly register that the two new silverette beauties looked a lot like the two silver prefects. They were further confused with their possible relationship with the Kiryū twins when the enchanting silver-haired beauty hugged Zero suddenly with a delighted sigh on her lovely lips.
They were about to shout indignant screams of unfairness but had to stop in amazement when the forever cranky prefect who was even crankier, if possible, instead of scolding the new Night Class student, granted her an unconsciously gorgeous smile that took every Day Class students' breath away. They stared and even had look at the other silver-haired prefect to make sure they were really looking at Zero Kiryū, the badass of the Day Class and the demon prefect from hell. They all marveled since they never saw him smile before. They were suddenly reminded of the changes they noticed which were the secret new hot topic of the Day Class girls.
Zero unknowingly had many secret admirers who were just refusing to admit their crush, what with his rude remarks and behavior. However, he just kept on getting even more handsome these past few days that some girls couldn't help but be more enamored. Now, with that smile, he just unwittingly made himself the prey of many, many women.
The hunter was unaware how the hungry eyes, previously trained on the Night Class, were now following him. He was busy adoring his youngest who threw her arms up and twirl around to seemingly show off her uniform and her new look to her daddy. He forgot to uphold his image and chuckled. "Yes, yes. You're very cute." Before patting the silver head before him.
This action made even more students fall hard for him as they saw him in a new light. He just looked too tempting with that smile and he just killed them with his laugh. They all looked at him so hungrily that they didn't notice the drop in the temperature. They didn't even notice the entire Night Class shiver as they intently ogled the prefect.
Of course. Such attention would not escape the Vampire King's notice. Their fancy towards his mate had become too apparent to everyone except to Zero who was not looking.
All the vampires were in cold sweat while the two prefects, who were both shaken out of their inner musings, immediately tried to get Zero's attention. Fortunately, they didn't need to for the hunter looked up at his lover, feeling the tension created by the overflowing displeased aura which made even Suiren stiffen. With a quizzical brow arched up, he asked with his eyes; 'What the hell happened while I was not looking?'
"Chichiue, please. It's because otou-chan is expecting. It's one of the reasons why he'll grow alluring and become even more attractive, especially in mortal's eyes. It's designed so no one will even think of harming him." The eldest princess looked apprehensive as she begged their father to calm down.
Kaname sighed and willed his aura to stand down. It was unsightly to display such behavior especially in front of his children just because of jealousy. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them. Once the sophisticated mask was back, the march resumed. He, of course, acknowledged Yuki and Ichiru's efforts and hard work. Both were shaken and quite wary of him after sensing his aura. Soon, the vampire stopped in front of his clueless mate who was still looking at him questioningly.
"Good evening, Zero. I trust you're well." He inquired with a smile that made his hunter lean backwards, clearly not fooled.
The silverette felt the danger behind that sweet smile. Something told him he'd be too exhausted to move again if this pissed off pureblood captured him tonight. Why? What did I even do!?
"Be careful not to let your guard down and be taken advantage of." The Vampire King added in a whisper. His serious warning tone made even the brave hunter gulp.
They began to move but not before Anne hugged her otou-chan. Though she made a mental note not to publicly show affection to him in order to not raise question, she still forgot. The young princess tiptoed to kiss once pale cheek like she always did when they'd be away. She only remembered too late when there was an outburst from the Day Class students.
"Wha! Who is she Kiryū?"
"Is she your girlfriend?"
"Noooooooo!"
This made Anne jumped. Oh, dear. What have I done?
"Eh? Ah. I'm so sorry." Then Anne mouthed soundlessly, "Otou-chan."
"It's okay. Go now. Have fun." Zero just smiled and ruffled her hair. There was even more violent reaction with this; both from his unknowingly new found fans and from the men who refused to allow a Day Class man get such a beauty for a girlfriend, especially not from the Night Class.
After watching his daughter join the rest of the Night Class who were waiting for her, he turned back to the rowdy students and proceeded with his normal duties. "Shut up! Go back to your dorm!"
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"Hana, are you okay?" Kain immediately addressed his cousin who had been strange since yesterday, after he came back to the dorm. He found out from their vice-president, who was becoming even more cheerful to the point that it was annoying, that he suddenly disappeared after he had gone with Ruka. Since the normally loud blonde didn't say anything to him coupled with the unusual silence, it was the sole proof that something was incredibly wrong. The Aido Hanabusa he grew up with was never silent. The anxious red-head couldn't take it anymore and inquired about the matter clearly bugging him.
"Huh? Of course." Hanabusa just answered absentmindedly, his mind still with the young silverette.
Kain was all the more unconvinced by this. His cousin didn't even display his usually flamboyant attitude nor give his admirers the normal fan service he usually bestowed them. Clearly, something was wrong! "Hana, are you sure?"
"Huh? Of course." He repeated in the same distracted manner.
Kain sighed. He decided that he'd just try again later. His cousin obviously was not yet sane enough to answer him coherently. At least he was being silent. He'd better observe him until his soul comes back to him to make sure he wouldn't do anything stupid.
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"I'm sorry for the commotion I've caused chichiue." Anne apologized to their father once they arrived inside the classroom.
"There's nothing to apologize for, Anne. I'm sure Zero will be able to handle it." Kaname assured his repentant eldest. He even found it a good opportunity if the rest of the Day Class students thought that Zero was involve with Anne. No one would compete with his little princess, what with her extraordinary good looks, so anyone who actually dared to eye his hunter would give up on him entirely. Pettily though, it was only as long as they thought him involved with her or Suiren for he'd not allow it if it was with anyone else. He'd only endure it because those angels were their precious treasures. The vampire inwardly sighed. If only he could announce to everyone that Zero was his… though he believed his hunter would definitely pack all his belongings and leave permanently afterwards.
"Alright, chichiue!" Anne brightened at Kaname's assurance. She inwardly promised to be more careful. When the bell rang signaling the start of homeroom, the cheerful princess went back to her seat between Akira and Kohaku, just in front of their chichiue who was with Naoto and Suiren at the back of the class. She anticipated their third class where she'd see the apple of her eyes, Kaito Takamiya-sensei.
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The eldest princess of the future Royal couple felt the arrival of that special person even before he entered the classroom with his signature smirk clearly designed to irritate and annoy the vampires inside the room. It was as if he really wanted to cause a commotion to have an excuse to shoot the vampires in the head. It was an expression that aggravated most of the occupants of their classroom but was a familiar expression that always made the brunette happy. She smiled at his entrance and introduction.
"Yo, bloodsuckers, I'm Kaito Takamiya. I'll be your Intermediate Mathematics teacher. Yoroshiku." The hunter grinned. "Be careful not to sleep in my class because I'll be happy to make you stay that way forever."
This caused many of the students to react violently. Some even stood up snarled at the challenge. They were well aware of the hunter's reputation.
The young brunettes sighed and shook their heads. 'Same old Kaito-san/jiichan'
"Enough." Kaname's warning resounded in the room, silencing the snarls of the outraged vampires. "Sit down." He ordered to those who stood up.
"Heh~," Kaito almost whistled when the vampires readily obeyed the pureblood. "Tsk. Well, I guess I'll start with the roll call. Let's see. Senri Shiki is still excused? Never mind that." He skimmed the names and frowned at the several Kuran in the list.
Hazel orbs traveled to the pureblood's direction and finally noticed the other three purebloods inside the room together with those weird auras were also present. He had felt that the aura inside the room was too heavy and convoluted but thought it was because of several high-ranking vampires in one place.
He stared at the appearance of the supposed to be little brats. What the fuck? How did that happen?
He was surprised, though he didn't show it, and instantly knew the reason why they updated the master list. Damn the Chairman. He didn't even inform me of anything like this! A mental promise to complain to the ex-hunter later was made before the young hunter proceeded to act like a proper sensei with unwanted students. He focused his attention to the lesson and tried his best not to turn his gaze towards the pureblood's way where he earlier glimpsed of a certain young lady whose appearance adamantly tried to steal his concentration. Fuck. Why did she have to look like that? Damn it!
Anne smiled at their teacher who carried on with the class. Pure elation emanated from her at the sound of his voice as he explained the equation. Soft lavender orbs stared at the white board as his surprisingly tidy scrawl enchanted her.
When he asked someone to answer the question on the board, no one but Anne raised her hand to volunteer since Aido was still too busy in his inner world to participate while some were simply too angry to care. Kaito avoided looking at his lone active student as much as possible. He didn't want to pick her but he had no choice so he called her name without looking at her direction. After that, he could call any other student he felt like bullying.
When the brunette walked pass him, he was instantly attacked by the same sweet scent that enticed his senses. He's becoming greatly irritated at that smell. He also didn't like how fascinating her long hair swayed or how perfect her features were. He didn't want to look at those striking lilac eyes nor those smiling red lips. Damn vampire beauty. Kaito cursed inwardly and passed on the fact that he was never seduced by any of the vampires' inhumane beauty, except for this one.
"Explain your answer." He asked, devoid of any sign of admiration, once the vampire finished writing on the board.
Anne was even livelier and more upbeat while explaining how she was able to come up with the answer. Bright amethyst orbs shone with glee.
He first only stared at her then he sighed and cursed inwardly. He had the foreboding that he was really not suited to be a teacher.
"Yeah, that's right. Good job, brat." He resignedly complimented and allowed himself to smile a little. He didn't want to but he couldn't help it. It was hard to hate these brats anyway. They are Zero's kids after all. He convinced himself.
Anne felt her day was completed by that single praise. She had balls under her feet when she returned to her seat. She didn't even notice that her father was looking at her quizzically for her liveliness and smile was quite different from usual.
Kaname had lived for a very long time to know what that could mean. He looked again at Kaito who continued his dutiful lecture.
It can't be…
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The moon was high in the sky, illuminating the otherwise dark heavens. It would be dawn after a few more hours but it was just half of the day for the occupants of the Moon Dormitory. They just came from their lessons and were currently busying themselves with supper, homework or idle chats in the cafeteria or larger common room which left the small lounge, usually used for more private talks, empty. The eldest Kuran princess took this chance to occupy it to play some notes in the grand piano.
Slender fingers pressed the keys and started producing a melancholically beautiful melody. Extreme delight and sorrow existed within her at the same time. The desire for her dream to come true was so intense that it was painful.
She wanted it so much, it hurts.
She realized that being with him, no matter the circumstances, was something she'd covet her entire life.
It was irrevocable.
Simply unchangeable.
It could only be him.
Each movement and note were filled longing and devotion for her unreachable love. She was so immersed with her emotions and the music that she didn't even notice the presence just outside the parlor.
Kaname leaned on the door, silently listening to his daughter's playing when his hunter, who came to check on the kids to see if anything happened on their first class, spotted him. Without explaining, he suddenly remarked. "Something tells me that our little princess is pining for someone."
"Ah." The silverette sighed; he immediately understood. "So you noticed huh?" Cautious violet orbs slyly glanced at the mighty Vampire King to see his reaction after the space beside his lover.
"Hmmmm… A hunter, huh." Kaname turned to his mate. "Like father, like daughter." He smiled though he felt troubled for he knew that loving a hunter was a most thorny path for a vampire, not to mention a pureblood royalty, like her. He wondered with apprehension at his daughter's choice of beau. He knew that there would be hurt and pain, one way or another.
Concerned burgundy orbs met his hunter's lilac ones. Conflicting feelings of elation in his fortune of having his beloved turn to him at last coincided with terrible worry that his daughter might not be as lucky as him.
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The dwellers of the Moon Dormitory were so preoccupied with their own worries that they weren't able to sense the arrival of a certain vampire inside the academy. His familiar copper hair raged with the wind but instead of his normally sleepy blue-grey eyes, what bore his handsome face were icy, cruel mismatch eyes of blue and red. Instead of the normally laid-back expression, there was a vicious and merciless smile that adorned his visage which made him look sadistic and ruthlessly gorgeous.
The twisted smile he made at the anticipation of meeting his dear nephew was even more poisonous. He thought of how much he waited for the opportunity to finally face his great ancestor and exact his revenge. He'd make sure that he'd feel the agony he had felt. Afterwards, he'd savor the blood of every one he held dear and lay waste to this world he tried very much to protect.
A wicked laugh that would send shivers even to the most courageous hunter broke the silence of the night. Long legs proceeded to the Moon Dorm to have his much-awaited family reunion.
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The wind roared outside causing quite a storm even without any rain pouring down. With it came the dawn of the impending chaos the pureblood knew would inevitably rampage. The beginning of the evil that would throw them all into the swirl of pandemonium.
He realized it too late as he immersed himself in feeding his hunter who needed to be fed regularly to nurture their developing child. He was watching him sleep; feeling a bit dissatisfied that he collapsed as soon as he finished his meal that he wasn't able to ravish him. He couldn't blame him, though. Perhaps, two days in continuous succession was a bit too much. And so, he contented himself by stroking soft silver tresses when he belatedly registered the disgusting presence of the vampire who just entered the Academy premises. His disguise was not able to mask the stench that he had.
The young king was suddenly alert. Alarm quickly filled him for his worst nightmares were about to start. His initial plan was no longer an option for he'd rather die first than let his hunter face off the monster that threatened to destroy everything that he was. He grimaced.
When he first met the hunter, greatly unaware of the feelings he'd have for him in the future, he strategized making him the knight that would finish what he couldn't do as restrictions of blood and bond stopped him. He initially wanted Zero to be his tool, thinking he could dispose of him once he had accomplished his goals, to use him as his killing machine.
Now, he couldn't even imagine leaving him to handle this fight or to let him shed a drop of his blood. No. He'd let himself be destroyed first before letting any harm claim his love. He'd never allow it.
Leaving his position by Zero's side after granting him a gentle kiss, he strode out of the room and set up an even more powerful barrier in order to conceal the events that would follow. He went to the room across to do the same and to check on their slumbering children, all whom were safely tucked in their beds before he went down to face their unwanted visitor. Seiren faithfully appeared behind him.
He saw Ichijou waiting for him at the foot of the stairs, worry in his emerald eyes clearly reflected.
"Kaname, it's Senri. He…" He stopped when his esteemed friend merely nodded. They both knew what awaited them and braced themselves to meet the screaming aura that clearly taunted them.
Their search led them to the lounge. They found the copper-haired vampire sitting snuggly by the fire. Mismatched eyes reflected fascination at the dancing flames as if he was looking at the future he envisioned for his dear nephew. There was nonchalance when he finally turned to the new arrivals.
"Ah, Kaname. How beautiful you've grown!" Rido cheerfully greeted. The vampire stood with open arms as if to embrace his favorite nephew. "You're well, I hope?"
"Enough, uncle. You should know that there's no need for hypocrisy." Kaname replied coldly. The even and impersonal tone did not reflect overflowing apprehension.
"Kukuku, you have not changed, my dear nephew. Still uncute, even after all these years." The older vampire teased, letting out a very sick laugh that made Ichijou cringe.
"What are you doing here, Rido? And what have you done to Senri's body?" Kaname continued as if his uncle didn't speak. He felt other auras approach them. Evidently, the Night Class felt the same disturbing presence of his pureblood uncle.
"I'm here to fulfill my promise, of course. You know what I've wanted ever since that day I've awoken you. You owe it to me and I demand to take it." Came the answer with a twisted smile that became even more sinister.
"Kaname-sama! Wha-?Shiki?" Hanabusa stopped at the sight inside the lounge. Romantic troubles were keeping him awake when he suddenly felt the frightening aura of another pureblood. The noble immediate jumped out of bed with his cousin hot on his heels. They met Ruka and Rima on the way. Both also felt the strange, mad aura.
"Shiki? What are you doing?" Ruka's normally elegant and melodious voice slightly shook from fear she couldn't explain. What's wrong with him?
"…. Who are you?" Rima's confused voice, which was rarely heard, filled the silence. She instantly knew that it was not the Senri she knew. He was someone else; someone was using her partner's body.
"Ah! How wonderful. More spectators! Hmmm, you," He motioned to Rima. "Are you Senri's girl? My, my, my, I guess my son's taste is not that bad." He cackled. The tyrannical laugh that filled the room sent shivers down the nobles' spines.
Kaname released his aura. He was growing impatient of Rido's taunt and madness. "Enough, Rido. Release Senri and go. You are not welcomed." He warned and the room trembled. The Night Class shrank in fear but it did nothing to his uncle whose mismatched eyes still displayed the same haughty and cruel intentions.
He was confident, of course, that even the powerful Vampire King couldn't touch him. Their bond as master and servant would prevent him from doing any lethal damaged to him. He'd never be able to kill him.
Then it started.
Without any more words uttered, Rido nicked his index finger to draw out his blood whip. He immediately lashed at Kaname who was instantly shielded by Seiren but what happened next was something he, not even Kaname, didn't anticipate as a small child of six with a quaint aura he had never felt before, seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
Kohaku dashed forward with lightning speed when the whip was about to hit their father. The young prince positioned himself in front of their father and their aunt Seiren. With arms together in front of his face, the solid whip instantaneously turned back to normal blood. The scent of pure blood that splattered almost all the occupants and some of the furniture filled the room.
"That's messy!" A voice came from another child.
Rido, who was frozen at the first child's entrance, was further astounded. It belatedly dawned upon him the children's visage. They looked like him and Kaname. Kurans. Twins? What are they? He wasn't able to recover before a gush of cold wind penetrated the room. He only vaguely registered the window of the room being opened before he realized that something, no, someone, had come near enough to pierce through him with a blade.
"Kohaku! Akira! Anne!" Kaname was stunned. He didn't feel them wake or come down. He was shocked at their appearance. Even more so at the sight of his eldest daughter stabbing his uncle in his cousin's body with her white katana.
"Senri!" Ichijou was shocked at their little royal's sudden arrival. When it finally dawned that their princess was stabbing his roommate through the heart, he was paralyzed with fear.
Rima wasn't able to utter a single sound. She was only able to gape at the horror in front of her. Legs turned weak when cold fear gripped her heart. "Nooo!" She finally managed. She was about to run when she hit a solid, invisible wall.
"Calm down, Rima-bachan. Nee-chan will not kill Senriji, I assure you." Akira reassured in a mild and serious tone, far from his normally boyish and mischievous one.
"Greetings, granduncle. It's the first time we met. I greatly apologize that it should be through these unfortunate circumstances that we'll finally become acquainted. Alas, we must also part for as chichiue said, you are not welcomed. Please forgive this impolite child, if you can." Anne expressed in a soft and gentle tone as if she was introducing herself over tea and not while she was stabbing her companion with her blade.
Rido looked at the child who pierced him. He was stunned at her exquisite face that greatly resembled his most coveted little sister except for the lilac eyes that reflected no fear towards him. He didn't know what they were but he felt himself grin at the newly formed ambition.
Still, he was baffled and wondered where the children came from. He was then reminded of the memories his son withheld from him the moment he took over his mind. Of course, he tried to look at memories the foolish boy refused to show. What he saw first were the memories of that girl Rima so he concluded that they were merely foolish romantic memories of her that he held onto to avoid mixing her with his grand plans. He let it go, seeing that it was useless to him anyway but now, he knew his son was hiding far more greater things.
How very loyal.
Rido then began his harsh and violent intrusion inside Senri's mind and grinned when he found what he was searching for.
The Night Class watched in horror as Senri's body shook violently, jolting Anne and making her press his body harder against the wall. The model's handsome face contorted in suffering before forming a twisted grin then back to painful agony.
"Senri! Senri!" Rima began to hit on the sturdy invisible wall that surrounded them when Shiki started screaming in anguish before he maniacally laughed only to scream in agony again, unaware that tears started to fall from her eyes. "No! Please! Stop it! Help him! Senri!" She couldn't take any more of this nightmare. She could feel Senri's pain. She begged with uncharacteristic emotion. "Akira-sama, please!"
"Rima-bachan, please calm down. Nee-chan!" Akira tried to convince them. He couldn't release the barrier that protected the Night Class since the nobles would only get in the way. However, he also couldn't take any more of the sickening picture of their granduncle's torture. The panicking child implored his sister to do something fast.
But even before Anne could utter the spell that would sever their granduncle's soul from their uncle's body, he suddenly stopped screaming and opened his eyes. It still revealed the mismatched colors of red and blue partnered with the heartless and cold-blooded smile that let them know who they were facing.
"Hah! How wonderful. That blood. Hmmmm, how simply wonderful. Kukuku... hahahaha!"
Anne was taken aback when he unrestrainedly laughed as if he was currently not at a disadvantage; as if he was not being stabbed through the chest and pinned against the wall.
"And you. The power of time? How marvelous. Simply marvelous!" He turned to face the beautiful child.
The younger brunette was shocked at the madness reflected in his eyes. That alone made her tremble slightly. She never saw anyone as insane as the creature before her and this was what made him even more frightening.
"My nephew, I'm amazed at your choice. I was disappointed at first since you picked a man but now that I know he's a Suzaku, I can't help but approve! Excellent!" He turned to Kaname who blanched at his words. "I'm hurt that you kept him away from me. I want to see him." He declared with a grin that reflected a malicious intent.
Kaname shook with anger at this. Enraged aura poured out from him which made the Night Class who had never seen him in quite a murderous mood take a step back. "You'll never have him." He almost snarled.
"Oh, but that's what I'll make sure of. I would have wanted to have your other brats as well but since they won't have a chance to see this world, I guess this one will be enough." He smirked fiendishly. "I can just create my own!"
The father and daughter pair were jarred at this.
"I think not." Anne glared, finally finding her courage again at the outrageous statement. She put her left hand on her katana and cut herself to smear her sweet-smelling blood on her blade before pushing it further into his uncle's body, even piercing through the wall as she did. She ignored the horrified screams and exclamations of her aunts and uncles, fully focused at the task at hand. After muttering a spell under her breath, her lilac eyes morphed into blood red.
The room shook while Shiki Senri's body writhe as if being electrocuted. Flaming crimson orbs stared intently as the colors of his eyes flickered back and forth to the cruel red and blue of her granduncle's to the somnolent blue-grey color of her uncle's. She knew the goal was almost achieved but before the blue-grey color prevailed, a hand suddenly gripped the one holding the katana and leaned his face closer to hers.
"I'll come back for you and your 'otou-chan'." He smirked and let out one last sadistic laugh before his body was thrown backwards and Anne's invisible force flattened him against the wall.
"Begone." She uttered with finality.
Rido let out one final scream before he lay motionless. When peace triumphed, the child then carefully retracted her sword and gently caught her uncle in her arms.
"Shiki!"
"Senri!"
"Anne!"
"Nee-chan!"
Everyone shouted all at once, causing quite a dramatic confusion. Akira dissolved the barrier that trapped their father, aunts and uncles to stop any action. They all gathered around the two.
"Senri! Senri!" Rima and Ichijou were immediately on their knees beside the seemingly lifeless body of the copper-haired vampire.
"It can't be. Will he die?" Ichijou asked, very pale with worry while Rima cradled Shiki's head on her bosom and cried incessantly. They would only register later that it was the most emotion they saw from the orange haired vampire.
"Of course not. Please don't worry." Anne weakly assured them.
"But you stabbed him with your sword, in the chest." Ichijou asked in a very panicked voice.
Instead of answering, the young brunette just showed her blade which was stained with only one blood, hers as evident by the scent. That was when they realized that there was no scent of Shiki's blood in the air nor was there any wound in his chest.
"Wha! How!?" Hanabusa was flabbergasted like the rest while their king could only stare in quiet regard. It was impossible that they imagined all of it. They were all sure that the white blade cut him through the heart.
"I have the power of dimensions so instead of piercing uncle, I made it passed through grandfather's soul's chest. Then, I used my blood to sever their connection so he'll never be able to manipulate him again." Anne explained a bit breathlessly. "He took a great damage but he won't die from it since he can only be completely killed in his own body…" She smiled weakly at the awestruck faces of her uncles.
"Are you alright, nee-chan? You look pale. I told you it's not wise to use another powerful spell when you have yet to even recover one tenth of your original power." Kohaku inquired with a worried frown.
"No one else will be able to do it." She breathlessly responded, feeling very weak indeed. She was well aware of the further burden the spell would incur but it couldn't be helped. She was the only one who could sever the connection of his uncle and granduncle forever as the only one who held the power to manipulate dimension thereby being able to cut the normally unreachable string that attached his granduncle's soul in their uncle's body.
"Anne, are you alright?"
This time, it was her father's voice filled with worry and concern which shook her. She opened her mouth to give her usual assurances when everything spun before her and darkness claimed her consciousness. She only vaguely heard the clamor, letting herself drift off to sleep.
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There was a great commotion inside the Moon Dormitory that early morning. All the vampires inside woke up at the great pressure of another pureblood's and their king's, princes' and princess's auras. The unrest intensified when the smell of pure blood as well as a very strange sweet smell they had no doubt came from Anne-hime permeated the air.
They were all in the right fit of worry for when they were all about to storm out of their respective rooms to protect the Royal Family, they found that they couldn't go out and that they were trapped inside their rooms. Without their knowledge, their little prince, Akira-sama, encased each room with a powerful barrier to protect them and simultaneously avoided getting them mixed up during any possible fights.
When the barrier was lifted, the well-meaning crowd immediately went to the source of the tumultuous power. The harried students met Chairman Cross who was carrying their other prince, Naoto-sama, in his arms while being followed by the two prefects, Ichiru and Yuki.
They were about to proceed to the lounge when their king emerged from the room carrying his eldest daughter in his arms. The esteemed individual was followed by the twin brunettes then Akatsuki who was carrying Shiki. Toya, Ichijou, Aido, Souen and Seiren hot on their heels. They were mightily confused with the situation.
"Kaname-kun! What happened?" Immediately asked the very flustered Chairman. "Nao-chan said that he-,"
"Chairman, let us go up to my study first. Ruka and Takuma, stay here and control the rest of the Night Class." Kaname interrupted before Kaien could fire all his inquiries, promptly giving out instructions to his associates to put the situation under control. The delicate matter was quite sensitive and could only be discussed in private.
The group proceeded upstairs to the Moon Dorm president's office. Ruka and Takuma explained to the rest about a surprised attack that happened and assured everyone that the situation was already contained and there was no need for alarm. Kain who was carrying Shiki went to the clinic with Rima and Seiren since one of the princes ordered to let him feel comfortable and that he should open his eyes after a few hours and.
When Kaname willed the door to his room to open, it revealed the angry face of his lover. Zero stood in the middle of the study with Suiren's arms wrapped around his left leg, seemingly trying to stop him from attacking their father at first sight.
"Kaname, you bastard!" Was Zero's greeting to him.
Pale hands curled into a ball so tightly that they could almost smell his blood in the air. Everyone who followed their king jumped at this for they never saw the silver-haired hunter get this angry. Yuki and Ichiru, even Kohaku and Akira, specially cringed at this because they knew that face all too well. It was the face their brother/daddy that would mean you're-so-dead. It was his expression when he was livid. No wonder Suiren was valiantly trying to stop their otou-chan from moving with her own body.
"Zero." Kaname merely sighed, apprehensive but not fearful of his lover's apparent anger. He knew it would come down to this should the silverette find out he was being left behind to be protected. The pureblood wondered how the hunter found out when he specially erected a barrier to ensure he'd not feel a thing whilst inside the room. When he looked at his children, he decided that he might already know the answer. He sighed again.
"How is she?" The hunter next asked with voice a tad calmer though still glowering at the vampire. Their daughter's health was still the most important, after all. "Stop standing there like an idiot and bring her inside."
The pureblood nodded at this and proceeded to the adjacent room where he carefully laid down Anne on the soft mattress. The brunette was followed inside by everyone else and Zero, who picked up Suiren for he really couldn't move with her stopping him, internally surprised by their children's power that such a small cherub was seriously able to hold him back with her strength.
"Will my granddaughter be okay?" The Chairman asked with the other silverette Naoto still in his arms.
"Rest assured, grandpa. Nee-chan will be fine. It's just that manipulating dimensions is a hard trick that requires a large amount of power, not as much as a time spell though. Since nee-chan has yet to recover from the time travel spell, it just took a toll on her body. She'll recover after some rest." Kohaku explained in the lightest manner possible. Of course, he also wisely kept the fact that aside from that, their sister had also been tiring herself to make as much blood pill that would enable them to grow to teenagers as her current power allowed her. If their parents and grandpa decided to make them stop attending the Night Class because of that, he was sure that she'd strangle him to death instead.
"I see. That's good then." The ex-hunter sighed in relief before turning to the pureblood whose normally impassive eyes now clearly reflected frustration and anguish. "Is it really him, Kaname-kun?"
Kaname nodded. "Yes, I'm afraid so. Rido is indeed back."
The atmosphere inside the room visibly dropped once their king confirmed the terrible news. Only the two prefects seemed to be a bit puzzled as the name seemed to be a spell for calamity.
Zero, as a hunter, of course knew the tragedy of the Kuran Royal family. How their ambitious and insane older brother killed both the late king and queen of the vampire society, leaving their prince, Kaname as the sole heir to the throne. That was the extent of his knowledge. The specifics were left to be discussed by the adult hunters and he was only a child then. Now, what he was wondering about was the content of their earlier conversation.
"Kaname, what did he mean by it? What promise? What did he want from you? What did he mean by awakening you?" Zero inquired. Dark lavender orbs frowned when each question made his mate paler and more uneasy. Why? What is Kaname hiding?
"Zero, I -," He was still hesitating to reveal it all. He was not yet prepared to confess it all to his mate for he knew, he just knew, of the hate he'd unleash with this revelation. With it, it was inevitable to confess all of his crimes and sins, including one that was connected to his beloved's life. How could he easily divulge that he manipulated him in the past for his own selfish goals? The dilemma was fortunately interrupted by their stirring daughter.
Zero looked at his pureblood apprehensively. The agony, misery and fear he saw in his burgundy eyes was also felt through their budding bond. It made him nervous. He knew Kaname was hiding horrors he didn't want him to know. He caught the vampire's deliberate attempt to be distracted by their daughter. He decided that perhaps, it was not yet the time to know. He only wished that Kaname would be truthful to him soon.
"Ung hmmmm, chichiue? Otou-chan?" Anne rasped in a tired voice.
"Anne, are you feeling better?" Kaname asked and held one of her hands. He was still worried at the sight of the exhausted and very pale form.
"Yes, father. Please don't worry. How are you? How's Senriji?"
"Senri is still in the clinic. You know that we are unharmed, thanks to you three. However, that was dangerous. Why did you attack him? And how did you even know of this?" Kaname frowned, anguish and frustration flooded his feelings. His protective instincts in the fore.
"It's Suiren. She's a clairvoyant. She can see bits of the future, especially impending doom, and transfer her visions to other people. That's how I knew what was happening even though you locked me here." Zero scoffed in answer.
Everyone else except those who knew this already was amazed by the fact. Kaname nodded, slightly surprised.
"That's right, chichiue. Suiren told us about grandfather's visit so we made a plan and countermeasures even before you set up the barrier. Please forgive us, father. I just thought it will be better to quickly sever uncle from Rido-ojiisama to avoid any damage to Senriji…" She explained repentantly. They all understood that it was impulsive and dangerous to do it but knew that the sooner they got their uncle back, the better. It would be beneficial to their father to have his closest aides nearby. It would also hurt everyone to have to fight the copper-haired vampire. It would certainly break Takuji and Rima-bachan's hearts.
Kaname looked grim but didn't say anything and tried to rein his feelings of dissatisfaction. He was greatly displeased with himself who had weakly let his children face the monster in his stead. He felt useless and powerless. He didn't notice that his aura already escaped, cracking the window glasses. The fury and murder in his veins towards his uncle who dared threaten his family and ruin it for the second time coursed freely.
"Kaname."
The voice of that special person resounded in the quiet room while everyone else fell silent at the frightening tension coming from him.
"Chichiue, please." Anne pleaded, worry for her father's feelings.
Kaname also felt the tug on his black shirt by his twin brunettes, apprehension etched on their cherubic faces.
Kaname sighed. He shouldn't drag everyone in his gloom. He swiftly retracted his aura, making everyone breathe easy, before turning to his hunter and children. "I'm fine, thank you. But please do not attempt to do something so risky again. If something were to happen to you all, I wouldn't know what to do."
"Then, maybe, you should include me as well when you're about to face something like that." Zero griped. He was clearly still angry at being left behind. "You know that I can fight, right? I'm not some damsel to protect Kaname!" He only barely managed not to curse when irritation came running back to him.
When the hunter woke up with Suiren and after she begrudgingly showed him the images, he immediately tried to join only to be stopped by the barrier Kaname erected. As much as he wanted to, he wasn't allowed to leave. His children were able to set precautionary measures but they couldn't further disobey their father and so left the barrier in that room intact. Or so Suiren explained in an adorable way designed to calm his ire. It didn't.
"I know that well. But now, especially now Zero, I can't let you do that. If you're shown the events then surely you must know that Rido presently intends to have you and our child." Kaname stood to face his hunter. "And you should know that I'll die first before I allow any harm come to you."
Zero froze at the intensity reflected in his pureblood's fiery pools of bloody orbs. The beast that lingered inside those deep burgundy eyes was determined to tear down anyone who would dare come snatch its mate. He was silent only for a while before unwillingly turning away. "Bastard." He hissed in response, deflating. A hand moved to pat the silver hair of the seraph who once again hugged his leg.
"What should we do then, Kaname-kun?" Kaien inquired next, trying to divert the awkward situation.
"For now, bid our time. Anne said that he took a great damage because of her attack." The pureblood turned to the ex-hunter before nodding to his daughter who also nodded back to agree with his words. "If so, we can lay out proper measures to prevent another unpleasant surprise. Information is crucial in order to anticipate the next attack."
"Hai, Kaname-sama." Seiren answered the silent order. After a salute, she disappeared in the shadows.
"We must also be vigilant and predict all the possibilities of a next attack. We need to protect Zero as he's the target." The Vampire King ignored the indignant reaction of his lover and simply looked at the adults in the room. Burgundy orbs paused at the sight of Ichiru, a thought came to him. "We must also protect Ichiru-kun. You're also a Suzaku and Rido might target you as well."
Zero's grumble that was disregarded on purpose was effectively put to a screeching halt at the same realization. He suddenly felt worried for his brother as well. Unlike him, his twin needed far more protection.
"We'll need to set someone to watch over you at all times." Kaname murmured a bit absentmindedly. While wondering who could be up to the task, his eyes roamed to the individuals currently present. His gaze caught the only other vampire within his loyal subjects that was present in the room. "Aido, look after Ichiru and protect him at all cost."
The blonde and the younger silverette jolted.
Ichiru wasn't able to stop his eyes from widening and was about to voice his incensed opinion about the pureblood's order when the blonde vampire spoke.
"With my life, Kaname-sama." He accepted with such sincerity that highly satisfied his king. Hanabusa then turned his head to the startled younger Kiryū who met his determined sapphire orbs with confused lilac ones.
Only the children and Yuki, who was watching the exchanges with a suppressed smile, managed to catch Ichiru turning away to avoid the noble's piercing gaze, a blush lighting his usually pale face prettily like a Christmas tree. All the while, the pureblood, the hunter and the Chairman discussed tactics and enhanced security inside the academy.
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