Author's Note: Hello everyone! ＼＼\٩( 'ω' )و /／／ Sorry for the two-month late update Σ(ノ°▽°)ノ but even then, I cannot vouch for the quality of this chapter (Was it rushed? （ﾉ｡≧◇≦）ﾉ was it rushed?!). I was thinking of uploading this chapter this coming April 11 but since I promise Elodie-SE σ(≧ε≦ｏ) that I'll be updating as soon as I finished this chapter…..φ(〃∇〃 ))) , I'm giving it now. However, I won't be able to update this coming April 11 Σ（ﾟдﾟlll）. It would be great if I can finish the next chapter before May 11._:(´□`」∠):_ If no update came then that mean that I failed which is sadly not unlikely... Σ(っﾟДﾟ；)っ
Still, (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و I want to thank everyone who's still supporting this fanfic despite the sporadic update. Forgive me for being so useless. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your patience. (╯✧∇✧)╯Thanks so much!
｡(*^▽^*)ゞ Some of you might think that Anne was overreacting but it made so much sense when I was thinking of this angle. ≡≡≡≡φ(＾∇＾*) Meh. 」(￣▽￣」) That's me anyway. Please forgive this creature's way of thinking and I hope that you'll learn to keep some matters aside and simply enjoy the story.(▰˘v˘▰) Yes, I'm a useless and irresponsible person. ヾ(*´∀｀*)ﾉ
Oh! Also, (*^▽^*) I hope that Miyako Shirayuki was able to get my email.(๑•̀ㅂ•́)و I don't know if it was safely received. Let me know if it wasn't! Σ(ノ°▽°)ノ
（ﾉ｡≧◇≦）ﾉ I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive me and 。（＞ω＜。）still manage to enjoy the fic! ヽ(*≧ω≦)ﾉ Muah! (((( ﾉ´3｀)ﾉ ･･･Σ(ﾟдﾟ;;ﾉ
(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)
Chapter 29
Her Past and Future
"Are you really sure about him?"
The young lady smiled as she glanced behind her, knowing she'll find the familiar troubled look of her otou-chan blatantly showing his mild disapproval. She didn't provide him any answer and merely waited for him to join her where she stands by the railing of the grand balcony where there's a clear view of a certain ash-brown haired hunter giving instructions to younger hunters and is diligently patrolling around the perimeter.
"You know he'll only break your heart since he's a notorious womanizer." Zero caught himself. Damn, what was he saying? Shit, he's feeling lightheaded. Was he accidentally given alcohol? He looked at the drink that a footman handed to him on his way out to the balcony. He feared what he will see but still, he glanced at his daughter to ascertain if he hurt her with his careless words but instead of crying, he was surprise to see a wistful smile on her young face.
"It's fine, otou-chan," Anne replied in a soft voice, "whether it be my first love or heart break, I want to give it all to Kaito-san." She looked up at her young father and continued, "If someone will break my heart, I want it to be only him."
The silverette stared at the young woman in his child, feeling a complex mix of sadness and pride, "You like him that much, huh?" he was awarded with a beatific smile in return. Why? He wanted to ask but didn't know if he should. He knew he wasn't able to voice his question but his bafflement must have been apparent on his face for his daughter answered nonetheless.
Anne smiled when she saw the ultimate question on her dear father's face. Indeed, why? She hummed while searching for an answer. She turned back her attention to Kaito's direction. Ah, of course, "Because he embraced my fears and gave me courage, because he provided me a reason to look forward to in the future, because of him I no longer fear my long life," she met her father's eyes again, "In simple words, he made me want to live."
He sighed in defeat, "I think I'll regret asking about the story behind that."
Anne gave her beloved father another blinding smile, "It's one of the most unforgettable memories I treasure."
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Despite the early morning glare, the vampire society's most prestigious brats can already be found wandering the halls of the enormous Kuran Castle. Even though around that particular time, these precious little young masters and little lady would still be normally tucked in bed and peacefully wading their way through colorful childish dreams, except for the youngest two in the group, there's no trace of sleepiness that can be found on their extremely angelic features. As evident by the great excitement lighting up their huge eyes, it seems that not even the siren-like call of comfortable and warm beds would be able to persuade them to go back to sleep.
"Hurry! They could be here at any minute!" excitedly piped the vampire king's only daughter and eldest child, her reddish-lavender orbs falling on her two younger brothers and their youngest cousins who are both still sleepily yawning. Upon examining their small band of cherubs, she found that their group is currently missing a particular rascal, "Where in the world is Fuji?" she asked, turning to Akira who was tasked to hunt the troublesome runt.
"We haven't seen him since dinner, onee-himesama." one Mamoru Kain offered while dragging their sleepy cousin, the grey-eyed brunette Riku Shiki. He yawned. His toffee locks in complete disarray while rose quartz eyes still dark with interrupted sleep. He looks rumpled in his blue pajamas and surely, his mother would be horrified if she knew that he went to greet the pureblood princess and her family in such attire. He's confident that he'll be able to breeze it over though, since it's their royal prince, Aki-niisama, who woke him and Riku to meet their aunt and uncle. That or he'll insist that there's no such thing as formality when it comes to family. He heard it from Aki-niisama once when he greeted Ichiji while wrapped in nothing but a towel.
"I couldn't find Fuu-nii anywhere, nee-chan. He was not in his bedchambers nor in his make-shift lab." The youngest prince shrugged.
"What? Oh dear… I hope he's not making troubles yet again… He didn't finish another one of those monstrosities, did he?" the young brunette asked, pertaining to those abominations their blood-related cousin fondly calls 'inventions'. He better not be spreading his creations inside the castle!
"After his last epic fail? I honestly don't know, nee-chan." Akira loudly wondered, surreptitiously glancing at his twin brother who was greatly traumatized by the said last-epic-fail of an invention.
Young Kohaku can be heard letting out a derisive snort that still managed to be elegant, "If only Fuu-nii's confidence would take a hit every once in a while, we might be able to get some respite."
"That's wishful thinking, dearest brother." The royal princess heaved a mournful sigh. As someone who has been with that particular devil since his birth, she knew just how resilient his spirit is. "His self-confidence is as high as the heavens above and his face is tougher than titanium."
"Yes, yes, you may praise my name right up to the heavens." A cheerful voice suddenly came out of nowhere, greatly flattered at the praises he received the moment he graced his fans with his presence.
"Fuu!" the little children all cried in surprise, even the youngest two in their group who were slightly jarred out of their sleep-muddled brains, their loud voices echoing in the wide hall.
"Or, you may gloriously scream my name like that. I'm not really picky." One Aido Fuji magnanimously offered, elegantly flipping his curly silver locks in a way that closely resembled his father's.
"What is that?" the young Kuran heir quickly recovered while internally cursing their cousin's teleporting abilities and asked upon spying the extremely large spherical stone being closely examined by the chibi silverette.
"Obviously, a dragon egg." Fuu answered nonchalantly.
"More like it's obviously a stone." Akira quipped.
"It's a dragon egg!" the silverette insisted.
"It's a stone." The royal princess joined.
"Dragon egg!"
"It also looks like stone to me." Kohaku said, deadpan, eyeing the youngest two who are now calm enough to yawn and blink sleepily again.
"Hmph! I shall prove that it's a dragon egg and all of you will apologize to me."
"And how exactly will you prove that?" Young Akira asked.
"My incubator was just finished." Fuu concluded with satisfaction.
"Oh dear." And she thought that they just finished sweeping the Kuran Castle off any rogue invention from the silverette. She reckoned she must double-check before troubles courted their gigantic double-doors. Well, unless Fuu failed somehow and actually ended up with something useful once again.
Before she could inquire further about this prospective instrument of destruction, she heard a most welcomed comment from her little brother.
"Nee-chan, I think they've just entered the castle premises. They should arrive at any minute." Kohaku announced, his head turning to the direction of the castle gates, his attention intent on the sound of tires hitting the road leading to the castle grounds from miles away.
The princess, having perceived the same once she concentrated, said with elation, "They would indeed. Thank goodness! I'm sick and tired of looking at Fuu's silly face."
"Why is it my fault?!" the silver cherub squawked in indignation, finally sending his latest conquest inside his earring's dimension, "And I beg your pardon, honorable cousin of mine, my daddy had assured me that I'm the cutest child in the world!"
"Well, if you ask someone if you're good-looking every five minutes, I'm sure they'll also assure you that you're the most adorable creature in the world just to get you off their back."
"I can't believe I'm hearing this blasphemy from the lips of my own relation!" Fuu gasped in shock.
"Dearest cousin of mine, remember this: familiarity breeds contempt." The female brunette chuckled as she once again resumed leading their small group of adorable children to the palace entrance. It was unneeded, of course. They need not get out of their way to greet their aunt and uncle. Such things can be done during breakfast later but she can't help but want to personally welcome them. After all, they're their beloved family and with the absence of the king and his consort due to a sudden emergency with the association, she's currently the highest figure of authority in the palace. She'll be very ashamed indeed should their beloved aunt Yuki feel unwelcomed!
Not to mention, she's been greatly looking forward to meeting her beloved cousins. It's been years since she last laid eyes on young Takuma. Also, she last saw baby Yukina when she was only a few months old. Unfortunately, her genial uncle and cousin weren't there to accompany her aunt Yuki to show the newborn to her parents. It would be the first time that she'll see the whole family complete!
"Oh! It's been too long! I wonder how those sweet children are. My, why did Taku-ji and Yuki-bachan choose to live abroad for eleven years!" the royal princess voiced, her tone turning high in her excitement.
"Well, if there's only this midget mad genius for company, even I would want to go abroad." Akira offered.
"Sound logic, dear brother."
"Hey! You're just as tall as me!" Fuu indignantly exclaimed.
"Fuu-niichan, is that all you took in from that comment? Won't you even comment on the 'mad genius' part?" Mamoru asked.
The silverette turned to the brunette, his voice at once turned softer, "Mamoru, that's a compliment."
"I'm pretty sure it's not, brother." He sincerely offered, stiffing another yawn.
"They phrase it like that because they're envious of me." Fuu phrased with his nose in the air.
"Just leave this insane big brother alone. He hasn't slept for three days so I'm pretty sure his brain functions are not working well." Kohaku imparted, smiling at the youngest two in the group.
"That is if he has any brains left." Their eldest sister quipped. "I'm pretty sure that it has already melted during his last experiment."
"My honorable cousin, I assure you that my brains are still intact," then turning to the oldest of the brunette twin, he corrected, "and it's been four days, Haku-sama."
No wonder you're more hopeless than normal, the royal princess scoffed, "How could any sane person create an alive walking nightmare of a doll still be with any brains left?"
"Hey! It was perfect!"
"Did you forget it made your father cry?"
"Err, there was just a slight flaw with the design."
Kohaku can't help but crease his forehead in disbelief, catching his twin brother mouth 'slight flaw?' with equal incredulousness. My, talk about the understatement of the century. He just successfully created something dreadful that manage to traumatize someone as powerful as him. His hands twitched with electricity at the horrible reminder.
"Why in the world did you even bring your creations here?" Lavender eyes narrowed irately. The castle has now turned into a danger zone as was always the case whenever this silver demon is in the premises.
"I just happen to finish several of my most recent creations while staying here." The blue-eyed noble hummed in satisfaction at having accomplished so many things in such a short amount of time.
"I'm pretty sure you're the one who made the toilet bowl in one of the private apartments in the east wing talk." The eldest princess merely continued. Their cousin is impossible to argue with and the percentage of making him see his own error, without some tête-à-tête with his genial silver father, is slim to none.
"Isn't it ingenious?" the oldest silverette in the group beamed, convinced of his own brilliance.
At this, she can't help but whirl back to face bright cerulean eyes with a disgusted expression, "It's spitting out its contents and is causing the servants immeasurable grief!"
"Err, did anyone try to talk to it politely?"
The rest of the children can only look at the young inventor in disbelief while shaking their little heads in harmony. Exasperated mumbling of 'you're impossible' and 'really now, nii-chan' escaped from multiple pouty lips.
"I bet you're also the loon who turned the large landscape painting in the south wing into a portal." Akira said in a would-be nonchalant tone, a grin on his devilishly cute face.
"But it was brilliant!"
"Your victims were transported to the large royal bathhouse, you oaf!" the royal princess admonished, her voice much louder than intended. If it was not unsightly and unbecoming, she would have already lectured their moron of a cousin while shouting. Goodness, she could still remember the trembling boot boy who unfortunately lost his footing and hurriedly grabbed the said painting for support only to be transported to the bath which was then occupied by her aunt Ruka, aunt Rima and aunt Seiren. The poor boy was shaking like a leaf while explaining himself to her chichiue. He was still lucky however because just before her aunts, it was her dearest otou-chan and brothers together with uncle Ichiru who were bathing there. Her pureblood father wouldn't have given him the chance to explain himself had he experience that misfortune much earlier.
"A simple recalibration will do the trick, I'm sure." The only silverette in the group said, unperturbed. It was still a genius idea.
"Fuu-nii, were you also the one who made that rug looking thing in the north wing actually suck and bury anyone who steps on it like a quicksand?"
"Don't be silly, Aki-sama. I won't create something so dangerous like that. It doesn't bury them. I assure you that they'll find themselves quite safe in the castle dungeons. Well, of course, their landing will play a big part but as long they land on their feet, they'll be good as new." He wanted to snort. For what that they're vampires with inhuman reflexes? And even if they can be caught off guard, they still have their fast regenerative abilities.
"Fuu-nii, you do know that the castle dungeons are about four meters high, right?" Kohaku asked, suddenly remembering a footman limping out from the direction of the underground castle prisons earlier this week.
"Really? I didn't know. How fascinating. I'll be sure to remember it." Fuu nodded, thinking that the older twin was merely sharing a fact. His path, however, was blocked by their royal princess who he didn't notice stopped her tracks and turned to him with a genuinely disapproving look on her pretty face.
"Remove that thing at once, Fuu!" she ordered, finally giving in to the temptation of shouting at the oblivious little rascal.
The silverette blinked at her as if she spoke in a language he has yet to study and master. But of course he misheard her. Why would anyone want to part with his inventions? "Hai?"
"Otou-chan is expecting! If anything happens to him and our unborn siblings, there would be hell to pay!" the happy news was only confirmed a few hours earlier. He was only six weeks along now but they must provide the utmost care and comfort to their beloved otou-chan.
"Oh! Zero-ojisama is pregnant? I must say my most sincere congratulations!" Wait, siblings? Twins again? Triplets? But how did they know so early?
"Fuu!" the little princess hissed rather ferociously, forgetting her good manners, at her distracted cousin but before he can provide a response, the younger of the twin interfered.
"It's alright, nee-chan. I already did it." Akira sighed sadly as if robbed of his personal entertainment. Well, amusing as the device may be, the safety of their household is still of the utmost importance, especially since there are children currently staying in the castle. At his cousin's squawk of protest, he added while pointing to his ear adorned with several earrings, "Don't worry, Fuu-nii, I put it somewhere safe."
The princess sighed in relief, "Oh, thank goodness for you, Akira." It was such a rare phrase coming from her that it sounded like a joke. She knew she spends more time admonishing her youngest brother than actually praising him. The younger brunette grinned boyishly while muttering a 'no problem, nee-chan' and after one more warning to the silverette not to spread his creations of terror inside the castle premises, they continued once more.
"Why do you insist on creating such worthless devices?" the royal princess asked with barely concealed ire.
The silverette gasped at the insult, "They're ingenious!"
"They're useless." Akira commented frankly.
"That's blasphemy!" Fuu cried in shock.
"Tell me, Fuu-nii, can you even remember recently inventing anything that doesn't harm other people or causes others to want to destroy them?" Kohaku asked, sincerely wondering.
"Of course!" Of all the silly questions! Aren't all of his creations?
"Like what?" The brunette asked doubtfully.
"The necklace of invisibility!" he announced proudly.
"An accessory that makes the wearer invisible? How original." Kohaku drawled sarcastically.
At that, the blue-eyed silverette snickered in a decidedly maniacal way, befitting evil geniuses seen in sci-fi movies that goes horribly in contrast with his heavenly beauty and delicate features, "You're wrong, Haku-sama. It's a trinket that would make everything invisible to the wearer!" he imparted importantly and even paused to give the others time to marvel at his creativity.
The children exchanged looks amongst each other to ascertain if they missed something crucial that will shed light to how this item became such an amazing creation. Based on their furrowed eyebrows, no one managed to ascertain its value.
"What is it used for? A pleasant sleep?"
They all waited while watching the still smiling silverette shake his head as if he can't quite believe that such foolish people exist, his hand on his forehead, "Of course, I'm sure I'll find a use for it some- ack!" he wasn't able to finish talking for his cruel, disrespectful younger cousin hit him behind the head. "That hurts, Aki-sama!" What would he do if that shook his brilliant brain?! He looked up to find their small band already marching forward. He jogged to catch up to them.
The eldest of the brunettes sighed and wondered, "Why, if you're intelligent enough to be able to find a way to artificially create bloodstones containing any vampire's abilities and invent a mirror that can reflect another person's memories, can't you make any other decent inventions?" Though to be fair, he wasn't really trying to create those. He was in the process of trying to create clones of himself (as if the world needed more headaches) and a talking mirror when his research just turned to that direction. Maybe if he failed to make a sleeping serum, it would turn out to be an elixir for eternal youth instead. The only inventions going as intended are the useless ones. She once seriously considered the possibility of their cousin doing it on purpose to irritate everyone and cause general havoc. However, after seeing his aquamarine eyes shine with genuine excitement and pride, she's convince that he was just truly persuaded that his ideas are simply brilliant. But seriously, why would anyone try creating a large throwing shuriken that would throw the user instead?
Having enough of their cousin's nonsensical antics, she proceeded to ignore the imp. The entrance was still quite far away when they clearly heard the smooth halt of a vehicle and the opening of car doors. Soon, the loud chorus of the maids and manservants welcoming their dear pureblood princess rang in the early morning shine. Unable to take it anymore, she hurried further. With her inhuman speed, what would normally take a normal mortal at least five more minutes of walk only took her a second. In a blink of an eye, together with her brothers and cousins who copied her, they all arrived at the entrance just as two silhouettes were escorted out of a luxurious vehicle.
The royal princess who was expecting a rosy cheeked blond barely taller than his brothers like how he was the last time she saw him and a cute brunette who, given who her parents are, would be surely seen cutely clutching her brother's hand for support, can't help but blink multiple times as her expectations were betrayed. The sincere and enthusiastic greeting that she was about to shout stayed trapped in her throat.
The royal children and their other three cousins completely halted at the startling sight before them. The eldest of them wondered if she's somehow mistaken but those scents and familiar auras are just as she remembered. Amethyst orbs darkened in confusion as they beheld the glittering golden hair and the responsible light in emerald orbs which is reflected in the kind smile of the young teenager before them. She averted her eyes from her cousin and instead focused on the beauty beside him. She can recognize the familiar rich mahogany locks and jolly green eyes of their aunt and uncle on the eight-year-old little girl, a shy smile on her lovely face. She examined them further and found that their presence and impression are indeed of their two much missed cousins. Yet, the two creatures standing before her are mere strangers in her eyes.
"Hime-sama?" a stranger's voice excitedly called her, jarring her out of her confusion. She still wasn't able to acknowledge him before he pleasantly greeted her brothers and cousins, "Akira-niisama, Haku-niisama, Fuu-nii! It's been a while! Ah! Are those Riku and Mamoru?" the energetic blond charmingly smiled.
Akira was the first one to recover. He asked cautiously though he knew he could always depend upon his exemplary senses, "Err… Taku?"
"Hai! It's indeed me, Takumi." The teenager pleasantly confirmed, "Yukina-chan, come greet the royal princess and princes." He then nudged the blushing brunette.
Before the young man can further bully his sister into actually saying something in greeting, the melodious voice of their mother rang.
"Oh! If it isn't my beautiful niece and handsome nephews! Shouldn't you all still be in bed?" One Ichijou Yuki happily clambered out of the car following her children's, without waiting for a servant to escort her out, closely followed by her husband. She of course knew that the little children made the special trip just to welcome them. How very sweet!
"Yuki-bachan! Taku-ji!" the royal princess finally managed to utter something, unconsciously expelling the breath she didn't know she was holding at the familiar sight of their aunt and uncle. For some reason, she felt elated and relieved to find them unchanged unlike their children.
Abandoning all notions of grace and poise expected from the pureblood princess, Yuki ran to her darling niece and nephews to lift them all at once in one giant bear hug, "Oh, you're still as cute as ever! Wait for the presents I have for you!"
"Oh! Oh! Oh! Did you bring me a Synchrotron?" Fuu immediately asked, not at all perturbed even though he's being squished against Akira, his aquamarine eyes sparkling with eagerness.
"Eh? What's that?" Yuki asked after a pause, seriously clueless.
"Hubble Space Telescope?" Fuu asked again, not giving up.
"Can we even buy that?" The vampire princess asked, slowly putting them down. The eagerness in the silverette's child hurting her a bit.
"Large Hadron Collider?" Fuu's bright eyes still trained excitedly on his beloved aunt.
"…" somehow, Yuki had the urge to apologize. Clearly she should have called the couple for advice on what to buy for their darling, eccentric child.
All the while, the brunette princess' attention was stolen by another sleek black car that arrived. Already, she can tell who are inside the vehicle. She loudly called out as she run towards the car that just parked, for some unknown reason, feeling as if her saviors have come, "Chichiue! Otou-chan! Welcome home!"
A valet opened the door to reveal the handsome smiling face of one Kaname Kuran, followed by the equally gorgeous silverette. "We're home, my love." He greeted back as he gathered her in his arms. He then acknowledged their visitors, "Yuki, Takuma, welcome back. I trust that you've both been well."
The silver haired hunter merely nodded to the couple, giving them a rare, small half-smile. One silver eyebrows rose upon spying the little vampires who all should still be asleep by that time, "Why are you all awake already? It's still too early."
"They must have wanted to welcome their aunt and uncle." The vampire king said, approval of his children's kind and considerate intentions evident in his voice. Then, turning to acknowledge his niece and nephew, he said, "Welcome to the Kuran Castle, Takumi, Yukina. You may treat this place like home."
Startled at being acknowledge so suddenly when it's been a while since they've last met, the two children were flustered and stuttered at expressing their gratitude. After a few more polite and warm exchanges were made, the gorgeous group of adults and children were then led to a receiving room to await their breakfast while the two youngest were carried back to their beds after falling asleep on their feet.
As the vampire princess animatedly recounted the recent years and their family's colorful experiences abroad, no one was able to perceive the subdued air surrounding the royal princess who quietly looked at her newly returned cousins who are spiritedly talking with her brothers and Fuu. The sweet and fragrant tea that a maid handed to her completely forgotten and left untouched.
She was so absorbed in her confusion as she kept on looking at the teenager calling her small brother 'niisama' that she wasn't able to notice the arrival of another visitor until her aunt joyfully exclaimed.
"Yori-chan!" she smiled brightly, her youthful face at once becoming brighter. Her feet carried her out of the room to personally welcome her lifelong best friend, the fond smiles of her husband and brothers followed her departing figure. They didn't dare intrude the two females' reunion and merely continued their discussion.
The royal princess also went to greet their guest. It's been a few decades since she last saw her aunt Sayori since she's a human and without their aunt Yuki who's closer to her than anyone in her family, there doesn't seem to be enough reason for frequent visits. However, in the brief time that she's been with her, as she lived in Cross Academy for more than two years as a child until her otou-chan graduated, and the few times that she saw her afterwards, she's always left a favorable review of her kind and calm disposition. She's always been gentle and quiet and cared for her and her brothers though the princess knew that aunt Sayori is not as close to her fathers as she is to aunt Yuki. After being reminded of her soft gaze and gentle aura, the royal princess decided to also personally welcome her.
She went to the entrance, following the sweet scent of her aunt Yuki mingled with the familiar scent of aunt Sayori. Bow-shaped lips opened to offer a greeting but the small voice didn't quite make it out of her lips when her gaze fell on an old woman with white hair being warmly hugged by a brunette beauty.
The royal princess naturally knew that humans aged much faster than vampires. Perhaps, it's the fact that aunt Sayori is the only human that her family is closed with so she's not around many humans her entire life therefore easily forgetting about their mortality and that it's been about 30 years since she last saw her that she was so shock about her change. Gone was the beautiful middle-aged woman in her memories, replaced by a kind-looking elder with gentle air and patient eyes who merely resembles a certain beauty in the princess' memories.
The young brunette knew that she's foolish to be feeling surprised when the fact about humans was something she had already studied repeatedly, yet no reason seems to be enough to quell the turbulence that bubbled deep inside her nor calm the steadily racing beat of her heart. Thankfully, her aunt Yuki was preoccupied by her friend's arrival that she didn't notice her niece's presence nor her rabid heartbeat.
Before her presence was exposed, the little princess retreated. Unable to take being in their visitors' presence any longer, the brunette didn't return to the receiving room and instead escaped to the gardens. Perhaps the flowers will ease the unreasonable heavy feelings that settled deep in her heart. She frowned at the indescribable fear inside her as if she's facing a mad beast that is only moments from breaking away from its gilded cage. The awareness of something quite terrifying nagged at the back of her mind.
With undetectable speed, her blurred image traveled through the halls and corridors. In no time at all, she arrived at the entrance of the Wisteria Tunnel. Her steps slowed as she traversed the winding path under the majestic sky filled with white, blue, purple, violet-blue and pink Wisteria. The spellbinding and enchanting path twisted and turned, giving the creatures traversing the tunnel an idea of another world waiting at the end of their journey. Aromatic fragrance and the mythical air helped calm the princess' turbulent emotions.
As dazed lavender orbs continued to gaze at a few falling petals, a sound of sweeping intruded in her thoughts and the little princess finally noticed the presence of a level C vampire who must be one of the groundskeepers. She noted the familiar presence and remembered him as one of the children in the line of family of servants that had long since served the Kuran family. She vaguely remembered that he's close in age with her but given the difference in status, other than the occasional warm greetings and very few exchanges, they've never been that close despite them being close in age. Additionally, there are about 300 servants in their employment and she can't remember all of them. Other than the few personal maids under her care and her siblings as well at Katsu-jiichan and Kobayashi-obachan, the other servants only have vaguely familiar faces.
Soon, the path turned and instead of the young boy that he's expecting to see, what she saw instead was a middle-aged vampire sweeping the fallen leaves and petals. Little feet halted and dark chestnut eyebrows rose then furrowed in confusion. She slowly stepped closer and in an uncertain voice called what she remembered was his name, her eyes focused on a distinct birthmark on his neck that she vaguely recognized, "Nakamura-kun?"
The servant who wasn't able to detect their princess who hid her aura was surprised at suddenly being addressed. He bowed and apologized, "P-princess! Forgive me for not perceiving you."
"N-no, it's quite alright…" a small voice spoke and as if she can't reconcile with what she can see, tried again, "A-ano… Nakamura Shou-kun?"
"Yes, princess?"
Having the name she uttered acknowledged, she became even more confused, "N-no, it's nothing. Please have a good day." She then immediately turned back. So fast that one would think the groundskeeper caused her some grievance. With inhuman speed, she made her way back to the castle and without stopping to breathe, made her way to the Gallery. Her little feet only stopped hurrying upon reaching the enormous portrait of the whole Kuran household that occupied a large part of the wall. Reddish lavender orbs roamed and examined each faces in the picture until it finally fell on the small face of the boy standing in front of a couple bearing a resemblance to Nakamura Shou. She can't be wrong and indeed, upon closer inspection, the older man's face in the photo is different from the servant she just saw. Instead, the small boy bore more similarities with him including the birthmark that she was eyeing just minutes ago.
A soft gasp escaped her lips, a slight tremor coursed through her small body. How is it possible that he grew up so fast? They're both vampires and yet, why was she stuck in the same appearance for the last 4 decades? Then again remembering the same change occur in her beloved cousins, she further frowned. Violent stirring caused her heart to beat without respite. Unconsciously, her feet had already carried her several steps back, further away from the large portrait as if it holds a certain detrimental effect on her. Without meaning to, she bumped to a long, narrow antique mahogany table. Different sized antique picture frames toppled and fell on the floor and despite the carpet, some of the glass covers still cracked. Further flustered at the mess she just made, she wasn't able to detect the arrival of their butler who immediately went to investigate the cause of the noise and seeing the situation and her agitated state, knelt before her to assist.
"Princess, please let me handle it. There's no need for you to trouble yourself."
The sound of her racing heartbeat filled the brunette's ears that it took her a moment to acknowledge their old servant. Since when was Kat-jiichan here? Lavender eyes looked up and found an aged face with features that she's sure were once handsome and youthful. It feels like it's been a while since she last got a good look at their most trusted servant.
She made no move to stand up and instead continued on to help clear the mess that she made. She felt bad when she realized that the pictures were of their household servants and their families. The apology that she would have uttered, however, died in her throat after becoming aware of the photo that she's was going to rescue amidst the sea of broken glasses and frames. One would think that nothing is wrong with the innocent photo of the Kuran Castle's head steward and head housekeeper that was taken about 20 years ago yet it still made the young princess froze.
"Princess, what's the matter?" Katsuragi inquired upon noting the pale complexion and deep frown marring their young royal's beauty.
The old, familiar raspy voice snatched the little girl's attention. She looked up once more, her little hands had long been frozen from picking up the shards. Lavender eyes widen when they fell on their old butler as if she's seeing him for the first time. Why hasn't she noticed the increasing number of wrinkles on his face? The aging body that was getting smaller as the days passed? The bony hands that looked even more delicate and breakable now? A deep voice that is raspier than several decades ago? Why hadn't she notice it?
Everything is moving forward. Even vampires.
Except them.
Except her.
"Kat-jichan… when did you get this old?" a small, trembling voice so soft that it was almost left unheard asked. In her agitation, she didn't even realize she was being tactless and rude.
Though initially taken aback, the old butler was not offended. He understood their princess' nature and know that she's not one to insult just to be cruel. With her tone, he could tell her anxiousness as if she's worried that his old age would claim his life at any second. He smiled and replied, "Ah, your highness, please don't worry about me." Then looking at her small, ethereal face exhibiting a rare display of distress, he continued, "I understand that my time will come soon but I believe that I'll still be able to accompany you for a century more."
"W-what do you mean?"
"While vampires possess an immensely long life, power dictates how long we'll be able to keep it." Katsuragi explained, his voice warm and patient, "Unlike your noble self, I'm but a lowly vampire and so I wasn't able to keep my youthful appearance but I daresay I held out pretty well considering my status. I shall be content if I could see you grow up to a magnificent adult." Despite his own circumstances not being particularly good, his voice didn't hold any resentment towards the creature of power in front of him that had such agreeable affairs merely because of her parents. In fact, his voice held so much pride as if the one experiencing such good fortune was him or his own granddaughter.
Yet, despite all this, the princess was unable to appreciate her good fortune. Her mind was completely occupied by what the old steward had said. In a voice that's barely audible, she asked herself, "But when would that be?"
More importantly, would there be anyone in their present household present to witness that?
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
The sunset that she saw that day was a deep crimson. It's like the color of blood and it made her timeless body shiver as an unknown feeling started budding inside her. Just like when she started to know what fear was like. Yet nothing else scorched the eternal princess' heart as horribly as the reality that was forced upon her.
Thousands of days will end but she will remain unchanged. Everything else will move forward but her and her family. The thought that she's somehow not alone should have relieved her but everything else in the world, her grandfather, her friends, her other aunts and uncles, their children who she treats like her own cousins, the hunters they have become acquainted with, the few noblemen she can tolerate, Yagari-jichan and all their servants will someday leave them alone.
Even Kaito-san…
God, Kaito-san will not last the test of time…
All will be replaced by new faces and would soon be forgotten by those who would come after. They would become a mere faded face and name after a few centuries. All that would remain is a barely familiar name engraved on white marble stones and a forgotten face on old photographs.
A startled gasp escaped her, the realization hitting her far heavier than anything ever did. Suddenly, panic seized her heart, causing tremors to travel throughout her tiny body. Small feet carried her to her vanity dresser and frantic hands searched blindly for the cosmetics that rarely touched her delicate skin except for very special occasions.
Pale white hands found several lacquered boxes which she opened to reveal rich and expensive beauty products of varying shades and colors. While she only had a vague idea on how to apply the products on her face, a large brush held by a trembling hand already found its way to a container holding bright red powder. Without any thought of what she should really do, she continued on to apply the products on her face, disregarding their actual purpose or use.
After what felt like an eternity, purplish regards found the poor, ruined reflection of a sad creature breathing heavily on the large three-sided mirrors. She can't even spare a thought to care about the ruined products that seemed to have exploded all over her pristine white dresser or the colorful powders that now mar her beautiful dress. She's sure that the overall ridiculous appearance would have been funny in different circumstances but she found no humor at all.
She looked grotesque.
Everything is wrong.
Ladies her age would have been able to expertly put on these products by themselves. Should have been putting it on by themselves for years. And it would have suited them greatly. While it could have been due to the misshapen way she put on the make-up, she knew that such products really do not suit her face.
For she has the anatomy of a child.
And so it would remain for several decades more.
Monstrously, she felt the floor tilt beneath her so suddenly that she can't help that horrified scream that escaped her lips nor the enormous aura that broke all the windows in her room.
She had barely time to collect herself, feeling the worried commotion of the whole palace as several feet from miles away travelled towards her room with astonishing speed to no doubt ascertain her well-being. When she caught the aura of her beloved parents, siblings and extended family march near her chambers, she immediately gathered herself and fled.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
One Takamiya Kaito was just on his way to the target shooting range specifically built for the silver consort to kill time when the agitated crowd of the royal household snatched his attention. It seems like a certain distressed princess hurriedly fled the castle for some unknown reason and is nowhere to be found. She has likely taken one of the princes' bloodstone for they couldn't feel her aura or sense her anywhere. And of course, this was enough to set everyone in a panic and in no time at all, the whole place was thrown into different levels of chaos.
Even without being asked to help look for the eldest princess, his legs carried him to search for the troublesome brat while still carrying his things for the forgotten training. He didn't know why, he immediately run to the old, almost forgotten, rose garden that belonged to the late queen. He jumped over the old, vine covered low gate at the entrance and passed by several well-tended roses. As far as he knows, in memory of his mother who tended the garden herself, the pureblood king ordered for this particular garden to be left alone for the most part. The gardener only comes to water and trim the plants but otherwise did nothing to keep unruly vines from climbing up and covering the walls and other infrastructure inside the garden. He finally stopped at an old garden pavilion hidden from the entrance by towering rose bushes. It was incredibly old but the vine crawling up to the white wash columns and glass roof only added to the enchanting, almost mysterious, air of the place, like it holds some secret entrance to another world. He took a few more steps towards the entrance and finally heard stifled cries that seem to be magically screened so that no one will be able to hear it unless they're trying very hard to specifically find it.
Finally arriving at the very entrance of the pavilion, hazel-eyes fell upon the small royal huddled behind the round stone table, with her face on the stone seat. She turned to him, clearly having sense his arrival and he started at her appearance. It seems their princess unfortunately got her hands on some make-up but the badly applied cosmetics looked even more horrible after being further ruined by the continuous flow of tears from heartbroken and melancholic lavender eyes. Under different circumstances, he would have snorted at the hilarious appearance of the normally regal and elegant little princess since it looks like a paint palette exploded on her face. She looks like a very sad clown but instead of rolling on the floor with laughter, he found himself nursing the sudden agonizing twinge in his guts as if a bullet from a sinister sniper shot hit him at the mournful display of the sorrowful brunette.
He took a deep breath before wetting the clean towel in his hand with water from the drinking bottle he's carrying for his break. "Hey brat, wha'cha doing there?" he spoke in an uncharacteristically soft voice as he cautiously stepped closer.
"K-Kaito-s-san?" the little brunette sniffed, quite forgetting her unsightly appearance therefore not giving thought to shielding her hideous face.
The hunter nonchalantly sat on the stone bench and looked down on her pitiful condition. Normally, upon seeing such an appearance, he would have already tactlessly asked something along the line of 'did you trip on your vanity dresser?' or 'are you disguising as a clown today?' but unlike what some people, like his disrespectful kohais, like to think, he does know when to keep his trap shut. Instead, he just kept a straight face and ask in an incredibly gentle tone that he would deny ever making later on, "You okay?"
The creature before him pitifully sobbed and honestly shook her head. Once more, as if being reminded why she was crying in the first place, tormented and heavy sobs permeated the small space of the garden pavilion. The tall hunter, contrary to expectation, remained calm and patiently waited for the princess to finish another round of heartbreaking cries as if he's used to dealing with emotionally challenge brats his whole life.
While he didn't fawn over her to coax her tears away nor gather her in his arms while patting her back like what adults normally do to a crying child, the little brunette found more comfort in his silence and the way he silently sat beside her as if in silent promise that he'll wait for her and that she can take her time in pouring out her heart. And magically, she felt the burden in her heart lessen somehow until the heart-breaking sobs turned to mere sniffles. When she felt a callous and heavy hand pat her head once, the little head finally managed to turn and face her only companion in the garden.
Deep brown eyes studied the angelic appearance before him for a while and instead of insisting for an answer to his earlier question, he merely asked, "What's worrying you, brat?"
A fragile hush prevailed in their world for a long while. While the pitiful cries were completely silenced, the princess didn't speak but the hunter didn't demand for an immediate answer. He waited patiently, retracted his hand and changed his sitting position in a more comfortable and carefree posture as if he's there to simply enjoy the majestic view of the garden and the scent of roses in the air.
It was only a few minutes but it felt like forever before the young brunette finally spoke. However, it was not to answer his question but to ask one of her own, "How do you think the world would look like by the time your life ended, Kaito-san?"
Caught off guard, he eloquently responded, "Huh?"
"How many years do you think you still have to live?" she continued to ask.
Raising an eyebrow, he carelessly asked back, "You want me to die already, brat?"
Surprised that her words would be misconstrued as such, the young princess turned her head so fast that the hunter thought she would have hurt her neck, she exclaimed, "No!"
"Then why are you asking this?" Kaito really can't understand her sometimes. Inconspicuously, he took his water bottle and wetted his towel, waiting for the right opportunity to wipe off the remaining ridiculous cosmetics that her tears weren't able to wash away.
"I… I…" she stammered before turning quiet once more. A minute has passed before she once more continued, "I will live on for a long, long time, unchanging, and I'm afraid that I'll face the end of the world alone."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
The princess blushed, aware that she's speaking nonsense, but before she could say more, Kaito callously continued, "Aren't you overestimating yourself too much and underestimating the world? There's no way that you'll live that long."
Her small head once again turned to face the hunter to refute, "But-!" However, she wasn't able to continue for a cold, wet towel touched her face. She looked up and stopped. The helpless expression she had never seen before on the hunter's face, as if he didn't know how to handle a troublesome brat that he's inexplicably fond of, completely muddled her brain.
"And did you forget that you have two pain-in-the-ass fathers, pain-in-the-ass brothers, and even more pain-in-the-ass relatives? How was that being alone?" he asked as he not-so-gently wiped away the blown away colors on her porcelain-like skin. Damn, how strong and long-lasting were the products that she used? Are make-ups supposed to be this hard to take off? Why are women to fond of using it then?
"But…" she began again, unflinching even with such a crude speech for she has long been used to his foul tongue and found it naturally a part of him. She must have been used to being served by servants or completely unaware of the wet towel that's almost rubbing her skin raw for she made no attempt to escape from the hunter's clutches. "I'm not changing… I'm not growing up…"
"What, brat, are you high? Did you think that Zero popped you out like that?" What is that Aido teaching these kids? He hasn't even taught them about hybrids or whatever? Wasn't he supposed to be their teacher? In his mind, Kaito wanted to curse the research-loving vampire.
"Kaito-san…" the young brunette pursed her lips, now starting to feel foolish and indignant as her words can't seem to come across.
"Of course, you'll grow brat. Don't worry about it. It's just that you're too damn powerful that it will take a while. But it's not that long that everyone around you would have already turned to bones." He nonchalantly explained as he rubbed her forehead.
"How long then?" Serious amethyst orbs met calm hazel ones.
As far as he knows, it's about ten years to a year but instead of honestly saying it, seeing how serious she is, he heartlessly teased, "Maybe a few thousand years?"
"But you'll also be gone after a few thousand years." soft, pink lips pursed and her mood sank deeper again, the joke completely lost on her.
"Are you underestimating me, brat? I won't. I'll be here even after you've managed to finally turn to a cranky old woman."
The brunette smiled, albeit sadly, at the absurd and unlikely picture. She knew that the world will change, countries will rise and fall, a family line will end and start and through it all, she'll remain as youthful as ever while the hunter before her would have long since turned to ashes.
"Why you, you don't believe me? I'll have you know that I'm the strongest hunter there is." of course that's an exaggeration since there's his kohai, Zero, but he's mated to the damn pureblood king, sharing his power, and that's cheating. Soberly, he continued in a serious tone, "You won't be getting rid of me anytime soon. Don't worry brat, you're not going to be left behind." He then smiled his rare genuine smile and continued on to wipe her dirty face with the wet towel. "I'll wait for you." He added in a quieter voice which the princess almost didn't catch.
The younger brunette knew of his irresponsible nature and dishonest character, but despite the countless lies he gave her, she found herself trusting his words. Perhaps it's because instead of the normally mischievous and devilish glint in those familiar pools of dark amber, she found them lit by tender and affectionate lights. She doesn't know how in the world Kaito-san would be able to hold on to his words but somehow, she caught herself nodding, fresh tears fell and revisited the old tracks. "Will you promise me?"
"Yeah." He answered while wiping way the offending tears.
"Really?"
"Yeah." The hunter repeated with uncharacteristic patience, half smiling at the look of childish doubt on her cherubic face.
"Do you really?" she asked again, her tone more persistent than before.
"Yeah, I promise." Kaito answered with more determination and laughed at her skeptical expression. Grinning, he added while briefly pinching her cheek, "What do you think of me? A con artist?"
"But you might forget." She whispered worriedly.
"I won't."
The young brunette smiled ruefully and mumbled, "Eternity is a long time, Kaito-san."
Kaito sighed and said, "I won't forget, I promise." And when resolved brown orbs met still concerned and weary amethyst ones, he added, "Have I ever lied to you?"
At that question, several memories intruded upon the princess' mind like the time when he told her that a telling mark would appear on her forehead the moment she tells a lie that's why she would always cover her forehead when she lies and he would always call her out on her lie. He also told her when she's only three-years-old that her parents only got her out of cow dung. It made her cry for weeks and pissed her otou-chan greatly. There was also a time when she gifted her uncle Ichiru a dress because he told her that her uncle is really a woman forced to dress up as a man. She could still recall the frozen expression on her fair uncle's face and the loud laugh from Kaito-san when he saw his expression. There was also a time when he told her to call her grandpa a psycho because it's a respectful endearment. She remembered that it made her poor grandpa cry. And those were only a few of the million lies he told her.
As if the hunter can clearly see the memories displayed on her pale forehead, he hastily withdrew his statement, "Never mind, don't answer that." He fell silent briefly as if looking for ways to make the suspicious little girl believe him before standing up and taking out a sharp knife. With a knee on the stone bench, using his superior strength and sturdy weapon, he engraved a few words on the smooth and solid surface of one of the marble columns of the Grecian styled garden pavilion.
Lavender eyes could only watch as the hunter work on. The thought of stopping him from vandalizing the poor, old column completely escaped her exhausted mind.
"There. Now stop crying, you brat. You look even uglier now."
And despite the hunter's words, tears flowed even more heavily from darkened lilac eyes as the small pale finger traced the newly formed, jagged letters on the pillar. It's a horrible penmanship and a definite disgrace to the old standing structure which will certainly make their old kind gardener cry in lamentation but it still filled the tiny princess' heart with so much relief and euphoria.
And as if the words alone were a spell to ease her fears and insecurities, she finally managed a smile. She turned to find the hunter with his cheek leaning on his fisted hand, his body fully facing her as he sat there, patiently waiting for her to gather herself and believe in his promise. His air speaks of brusqueness and laziness that she knew is common to him but the hazel orbs intently watching her is uncharacteristically soft with affection.
At that moment, when her lavender orbs met the stunningly serene expression of the hunter, she came to another realization. Her eyes widened as if she's seeing him for the first time. She had always known that the hunter was special to her and someone who'll always be part of her life but she never understood why. Why she refused to call him uncle while her siblings' do so, why her eyes would always search for him first every time hunters come to the palace, why she's the first person she wants to show any new achievement she attains or discovers with her power, why she misses him the very moment he leaves her sight and why a single promise from him, despite all his previous lies and offences, made her feel that living forever might not be so bad after all.
She's so stupid to not have figured it out much sooner and to think that she can see daily proof of it in the form of her parents' marriage and their happy household. How could she have missed it all this time?
Ah, so this is what it's like to fall in love.
The understanding hit her like a runaway truck carrying a thousand noisy chicken which came out of nowhere. She was instantly breathless, numbly noting that she must be burning scarlet. The princess averted her eyes and they fell on the hunter's promise immortalized on her grandmother's private garden. Despite the newly identified affection weighing her heart like ten tons of pure gold, she still managed an exhilarated smile.
She's extremely glad it was him who stole her heart.
"Hey, brat, you okay?" Kaito finally asked after minutes of watching numerous expressions dance on the little princess' inhumanly ethereal face. Her beautiful expressions conjuring out nostalgic memories from several decades twisted his heart almost painfully. After playing this game with himself for many years, he can't help but want to save himself from recollections that might put him in danger. "Ya think you can face his majesty already?"
A sweet smile graced the brunette's face when she turned to the hunter. After gently caressing the messy engraving on the marble, she stood and unceremoniously took the older man's hand in hers, making him freeze for a minute before shrugging slightly and leading her out of the place.
She must speak to their gardener to make sure he doesn't do anything that might damage or erase the words that just became one of her most prized treasure. They were already a few feet away from the small pavilion when the small princess can't help the temptation and looked back at the hunter's promise. Internally, she read it again and smiled.
'I'll wait no matter what. – Kaito'
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Several days have passed after that particular incident wherein the little princess of the Kuran Castle got fussed about and repeatedly asked for any issues or problems plaguing her little heart. After a heartfelt answer that everything is fine with her, even though she gave no explanation whatsoever, seeing her genuine expression of calm as if she had just achieved redemption and enlightenment, the matter was closed and all is well in the Kuran Castle once again.
Said princess was leisurely walking through the Sakura garden after spending some time with her younger cousins and getting more familiar with them. After accepting herself somewhat, she was able to look pass their differences and get over her fear. She knew she was being foolish. It's not like her beloved relatives will fall over and die on her just like that. Her mood got even better as the days passed and the realization that her troublesome cousin Fuu is in the same boat as her and her siblings thereby ensuring that she won't be rid of him and his antics her whole life didn't dampen her high spirits.
The little brunette was about to return to the castle when her sharp lavender orbs caught sight of a familiar figure that seems to be slumbering under a large Cherry Blossom tree. The blossoms have started to fall, painting a beautiful pink world but the falling flowers didn't seem to bother him since his face is protected by the book covering his handsome face. The princess giggled at the contrast for she knew how rough and ruggedly Kaito-san can be, but now he's surrounded by all the pinkness and with a book she didn't think he read in earnest to boot.
She would have loved to enjoy the view but seeing that the sun is about to set and with the wind starting to chill, she's afraid of her dear hunter falling sick though it would be unlikely given the givens. Still, not wanting him to spend the night in the garden, she opted to disturbing his peaceful sleep. She was just about to pick the book on his face when a strong hand gripped her wrist, halting her movements.
He half got up on his elbow and turned to her, letting the book fall on his chest and in a voice that's hoarse from sleep, whisper confusedly, "Anne?"
The princess froze. That single word knifing through her heart as if it's a declaration of her own death. When her lavender orbs fell on deep hazel orbs, still dark from interrupted sleep, she felt the knife in her heart sink even deeper.
What? Anne? Who is she?
Looking at the expression on his handsome face that she saw for the first time, she felt the knife stabbing her multiplied.
Who is she that you would show her such an expression, Kaito-san?
Before she could even blurt out the question that she was dreading to ask, the hunter in front of her was finally able to shake off the remaining drowsiness and made sense of his surroundings. He let go of her hand to cover his face with both hands to wipe away any traces of sleep. The princess didn't know why, but he looked a bit rueful but she wasn't able to confirm if he is for he then addressed her.
"Nanda, it's just you, brat. What are you doing here?" he asked without looking at her as he removed the fallen blossoms on his body.
The little brunette thought that he looked a bit somber and wistful but she refused the very idea and convinced herself that it's simply because he had just awakened. However, that didn't fully convince her heart that adamantly tries to beat itself to death. With a shaky smile, she replied with a cheer that she didn't presently feel, "I was just taking a walk, Kaito-san. I saw you and since it's about to get dark, I thought it'd be best if I wake you up. Forgive me for interrupting your sleep. Let's go back to the castle."
"Are you okay?" Kaito asked upon noticing her racing heartbeat and insincere smile. He frowned and was about to pat her head and remove the blossoms that fell on her hair but stopped. He didn't think it would be good for him especially after his heart just received a shock at a reminder of those beautiful memories from several decades back. He'd rather spare himself any unnecessary heartache, thank you very much.
Not noticing his struggles, she fought for a more genuine smile and responded, "But of course I am. I am merely tired from all the exercise. Also, the wind has gotten colder."
"Yeah?" the hunter considered her answer for a minute and after observing there was indeed a drop in the temperature, decided that she might be saying the truth. "Then let's go back, brat." He stood up but contrary to what he would normally do, didn't offer his hand to her. His mind argued that she's no longer a child and could only hope that she would not think that he's acting odd.
Unfortunately, the princess did notice that he didn't take her hand like he normally does when it's just the two of them. Well, it's not like it always happens but whenever her parents or brothers are not there to hold her hand, it's almost natural for her to hold his when going home. It's even more natural for her than holding her grandpa's. She didn't insist despite her desire as she's not that thick-skinned.
Later, that entire episode and exchange kept her awake the whole morning. She can't seem to forget his voice and expression when he had mistaken her for some unknown woman. Why would he use that voice to call her name? Why would he look for her with such gaze? Why would he have that expression when thinking of her?
Why would he long for her?
Whenever she asked herself these questions, her heart would constrict and tears fought to be let out. She curled into a ball, rejecting the likely ideas that twisted her heart to an unimaginable shape.
When morning came, her complexion was so pale and her eyes were full of unshed tears that her lady's maids were in a panic. She was barely able to stop them from informing the head steward and her parents of a likely ailment. How can she even explain that it's a sickness of the heart?
After multiple reassurances and a lot of worried glances from her faithful maids, she was finally able to go through her 'morning' routine. Having reached a decision to question the person who'll most likely know the answer, she set out to find where her beloved otou-chan is. Since her father grew up with Kaito-san, he would know who that nefarious vixen is.
Fortunately, the heavens seem to be on her side and was willing to put her out of her misery since her beloved otou-chan wouldn't be out for the day. When Kat-jichan informed her that he's currently in the library, it's as if she's being told that all her favorite authors will be updating her favorite novels and mangas at the same time with added epilogues and extras as bonus.
She hurried to the library and only resumed normal speed upon reaching the large double-doors. The brunette stepped inside, trying to appear nonchalant and even took on a look of surprise upon seeing the gorgeous figure of her silver father by the shelves dedicated to books about ancient spells and theories.
"Oh my, good morning, otou-chan! I didn't know you would be here as well!" she lively greeted as she hugged his legs and tip-toed to offer a kiss which he smilingly received by bending down. "What are you looking for, otou-chan?"
"Nothing much. Just thought that there might be a spell that could be used against some idiotic vampires to make life easier." He answered untruthfully. He didn't want to involve his daughter with serious and depressing hunter business.
The princess merely chuckled at his response for she is aware of this. She didn't insist on knowing and instead, also randomly picked an old book and without looking at the title, opened it as she too tried to appear carefree and untroubled. Acting as if the thought has just crossed her mind, she asked, "Oh, now that I think about it, do you know anyone by the name Anne, otou-chan?"
"Huh? Anne?" Zero asked back, not knowing why that familiar name would pop out now of all times. He turned to his daughter and found the little angel holding an old book with a barely discernible frown.
"Uhm… I was just curious since Kaito-san whispered her name once." She explained in a casual tone but silver-lavender eyes were able to detect the hidden unrest deep in her amethyst orbs.
"Ah." Zero hummed in recognition before smiling, "Her."
Seeing his father mysteriously smile, the little brunette got even more curious and jealous. Who in the world is she? "Who is she, otou-chan?" Unintentionally, her soft pouty lips have already formed a frown. Her expression obviously betraying her agitation which made Zero want to smile wider and cry at the same time.
'This child… your crush is showing!'
Silver lavender gaze fell on her small frame, considering her for a minute. An odd expression passed through his handsome features before straightening back to his normal somber look. Zero hummed for a minute before finally answering her, "Maybe… I think his first love?"
There was white mist in front of her eyes and an annoying buzzing sound in her ears. Irritated, she gripped the book she didn't know she was still holding and viciously glared at the ancient text on the page she's in as if it did her a personal offense by merely existing. She can't even remember how she left the library or if she was able to politely excused herself from her beloved otou-chan. Before she knows it, she's already in her room, fighting off furious tears and the overwhelming urge to throw a massive temper tantrum.
She raised her hand and head to throw the poor ancient book of spells away when reddish-lavender eyes fell on the unsightly creature reflected on the large vanity mirror facing her. Her actions froze, unable to believe that the small child wearing that ugly expression is her. Like cold water soaking her to the bones, realization of her foolishness hit her.
There's no point in wreaking havoc because of this, she thought. It's not like it can be helped, after all, Kaito-san is more than two decades older than her. He's bound to have been in contact with numerous women specially given how naturally handsome he is. As someone that's close to perfection itself, it's stranger if he didn't attract one or a hundred flies. She was not even born during that time. What's important is the time and chapter of his life from there on. It's not like he al…ready has a g-girlfriend… right? Ah, yes, he doesn't have one. She can rely on his crass attitude that would have surely drove blind flowers away. And… and he's not pursuing anyone at the moment… right? Of course, because if he is then he wouldn't have much time to spend in their castle and he spends most of his time here whenever he had no mission. Also, he's busy being such a gallant hunter! With the missions and all, romance certainly wouldn't have time to intrude in his life. It's been years and she's heard no rumors about his romantic affairs so it's only logical to think that all is not yet too late.
Yes, that's right, she told herself. However, despite the sensible voice of reason echoing such words inside her head, she still can't seem to get rid of that ugly and heavy feeling weighing her heart down.
Just as the poor old book that's still in her hands was about to give up and split into two, amethyst orbs finally made sense of the chapter she accidentally opened. A time spell? Like an old grandfather clock, little gears started turning inside her head and just like that, a ridiculous idea was formed.
Huh.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
A rueful laugh escaped from the princess, "So maybe, that's why I-," the little brunette halted her words when she spied the extremely pale complexion of her father and the sheen of sweat covering his handsome face, "What wrong, otou-chan? You look-," the princess' words faltered upon the sound of guns being fired up front, vaguely feeling her dear father doing the same despite his obviously awful condition. "K-Kaito-san!" she can't help but exclaimed when horrified lavender orbs fell on the struggling silhouette of the hunter parrying the attacks from about seven hunters surrounding him.
"Shit!" Zero growled weakly and tremulously, cursing the sudden pain that shrouded his body, unable to comprehend its origin. Damn it. Was he poisoned? Instinctively, his amethyst glare fell on the glass loosely enclosed in his hand. He threw it and cursed his stupid self who accepted a drink from an attendant serving drinks outside when its practically empty. Fucking idiot. When another round of bullets was fired, sluggish feet immediately strove to aid his senpai.
"Otou-chan!" Anne shouted after the hunter and followed him with the intention of bringing him back. They'll be outside her father's sphere of power. But the immense worry eating her heart at the thought of the ash-brown haired hunter facing all those adversaries alone impeded any other notion.
They almost reached the part of the courtyard where the battle was taking place when the pair promptly ceased all movements. Anne gasped and turned, as did her father, to the faltering lights of the outdoor garden lamps around and to the darkness that finally consumed their surroundings.
"Fufufu, you held out quite well. I was already getting tired of waiting, Zero-kun." A sinister voice filled the void, smooth and velvety but no less frightening.
"Rido." The hunter hissed through his gritted teeth, a trembling hand placed above his sprinting heart. A lavender glower still fiercely pierced the handsome smiling visage that stepped out of the darkness, not quite willing to show the sudden tremors and throbbing aches robbing him of his strength.
"Hello, Zero-kun. I've come for you as promised."
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-