And We are BAAAAACK!
I am sorry that I could not reply to your comments any sooner. I will probably take some time to do so, so please be patient with me in that regards. HOWEVER! I want each and everyone of you to know that you pulled me up and got me off the ground once again, and I THANK YOU FOR THAT!
I read every single word of every single comment at least 10 times... I can probably recite them blindfolded! they made me smile, laugh, ugly crying from pent up emotions... you name it! but most importantly, the words, your feelings and love for this story made it easier for me to make my decision. the decision to finish the story at the pace that was originally planned without rushing the ending.
it is not going to be easy nor fast, but I would like to give the past me who poured so much into writing it justice as well as the wonderful readers who stuck by me so far!
More in the footnote... For now, enjoy!
8888 Chapter 79 8888
The sound of hurried footsteps grew louder as the group neared the entrance, fending off the threats with effortless precision. Their faces were calm, but the tension was palpable. The security team moved in a tight triangle, their eyes scanned every shadow and blind spot with practiced vigilance, making sure every corner was covered. The civilians followed closely, protected by their leaders and another line of security. Inside the safe walls, humans felt safe. Hunters and vampires were alert and confident, knowing their strongest allies were with them. However, no one could shake off the tightness clawing inside their ribcages as they glimpsed the exit, feeling a mix of relief and unease.
Zero groaned softly, frustrated by the constant buzzing of his phone. The updates on Ryo's vitals were keeping him on edge. The only thing stopping him from taking drastic action was the vitals of his twin. According to the location signal, he figured that Ichiru was still with their friend and business partner. Zero considered the fact that Ryo rarely took part in fights let alone full-blown battles, even before leaving the family. Based on that information and his own assessment of the noble vampire, Zero guessed that Ryo's elevated heartbeat were probably due to the stress of the unfamiliar situation.
Even if they were under attack, it should be fine for as long as Ichiru is not displaying any sign of distress.
Impatient and cautious, Zero still directed Yuki and co. to head straight to the current location of his twin instead of waiting at the meeting point. It wasn't a drastic move since Ichiru was just above that spot, heading down the mountain road.
buzz*
For fuck's sake!
Zero flipped his phone with every intention to blast the ear of yet another spam caller with every curse he ever learned.
Eyes widened in time with sudden halt of footsteps. Kaname could see the hand clutching the phone shake visibly. Zero answered the phone. His voice cracked for a moment. It remained shaky but echoed from the sheer loudness. Zero winced at the trailing echo. Every other person had already stopped and looked his way.
[zero] "Are you okay?!"
[Ichiru] "Yeah, thanks for sending backup. The timing could not be any more perfect." The vampire twin could feel his hand trembling still… Zero half expected to hear Cyrus's voice announcing his brother's demise when answering the phone.
[zero]" seeing that you took the trouble to make a phone call means that something went wrong." He managed to even his voice, struggling to steel his nerves.
[Ichiru] "not exactly wrong…"
Ichiru briefly recapped the situation, speaking in short bursts as the captives' screams cut through the air. One was tortured by Yuki after she failed to get his guard down enough to read him, and the other groaned as Shoto continued digging into his stubborn mind with expert precision. Ichiru sighed before resuming the update, not missing the change in the expression of the male pureblood.
[Ichiru] "My only conclusion is that there's been a major leak of information about sensitive parts of the plan that only a few people knew about… Nii-san… What worries me most is…"
Zero remained silent as he listened. Ren, standing beside him, grew increasingly anxious as the air seemed to grow thicker, suddenly making it harder to breathe.
Unlike the rest of the group, Kaname remained calm, carefully observing every movement and expression of the hunter. He made no attempt to eavesdrop on the conversation, knowing that Zero would eventually fill him in on the details. However, he anticipated that it wouldn't be in the usual way judging from the way Zero's jaw tensed as he looked his way.
True to his assumption, Kaname felt his body float for a moment as a strong pale hand fisted the collar of his shirt before his back got slammed against the nearest wall.
While he kept his poker face intact, his pupils widened a bit when faced with the surge of aura from the hunter. Despite the unfavorable situation, Kaname sighed in relief when noticing the way his beloved hunter held back his aura just enough not to cause physical damage to the building. It would certainly incur too many casualties among innocent humans.
"What is the meaning of this, Kuran?" Zero all but growled. The tone and hiss managed to snap the Ancestor out of his momentary daydream.
"And to what are you referring?" Kaname kept his cool when faced with the angry golden orbs. Wine orbs followed the other hand holding the phone as it rose and kept the phone close to his head against the wall. A beep was followed by the tense voice of the hunter.
[Zero] "You are on speaker, repeat what you just told me so that HE can hear you, loud and clear."
Ichiru's tone was hesitant at first. Speaking of such sensitive matter 'publicly' was not the best course of action. However, he could sense that Zero's patience was growing thin. He could not pinpoint what triggered him, but he was sure that they had reached the same conclusion. Having no other options, Ichiru reiterated his statement while keeping it cryptic enough to confuse any outsider while getting the point across to those aware of the plan.
"You left first thing in the morning with no valid reason to do so. You also had quite the candid encounter with that Rosa if what Cross saw was true, and now this happens?!"
Kaname kept quiet. The lack of response was louder than any confirmation.
Zero inched closer, the words he wanted to say were stuck in his throat. What is this Sepideh to you? How much of an accomplice is she? Why is this Rosa so obviously dear to you, yet you don't want to talk about her, have you really lost your memories of your past self? Has everything been a lie? Did you not slumber out of grief? What is going on in your head?
Zero took a long shaky breath in before exhaling softly. Glistening of the brightest amethyst came back as he whispered with finality, "I did ask you not to die, but that does not mean that I would hesitate about killing you should you entertain the thought of betraying us."
Kaname's gaze flickered from the hunter to the group waiting on them and sighed. He carefully wrapped his hand around Zero's wrist and leaned to talk into the communication device. "How are things looking on your side now? Any other new intel?"
"You!" Zero all but snapped if not for Yuki's alarmed voice cutting him off.
"The children… they- his target…" the trembling of Yuki's voice was obvious even with the sound of wind and static… she was absolutely terrified of whatever she saw in the head of the noble.
"Eradicate the offsprings… None of the Kiryuu bloodline shall survive any longer. Collect the heiress of the King and kill the mother if she resists." Isaya Shouto clarified what Yuki had hard time articulating.
Zero's blood ran cold "Where are the Shiki's right now?"
The panic that surged within did not deter him from reading Kaname, who pressed his lips tightly at his question. The subtle gesture told Zero that the brown-haired vampire was already considering the alternative plan while listening to the influx of information.
With eyes trained on the taller man, Zero asked the question again "Where are Shiki Keiichi and Kuran Ai right now!" This time he screamed at the group that accompanied him.
It was at that moment that he realized how far he made everyone uncomfortable with his lashing aura, leaving them with ragged breaths and chest pain.
A small apology was followed by some of the individuals collapsing on their knees as he retracted his aura.
Thankfully, the phones on both ends were set to speaker mode and Hanabusa managed to catch the question on the second attempt.
"They changed their route after picking up the Shiki's from the airport." Yuki's head all but swirled to look at the blond vampire, her eyes ready to bulge out, "Where?"
"Cross Academy." The words rang all the danger bells in their heads, especially in Yuki's who vanished instantly.
"Cyrus is heading that way… these two were supposed to join him there…" Isaya announced the last piece of information while glaring at the snickering captive.
"It is over before you even try… You are done for…" the prisoner mocked, seconds before turning to dust.
Isaya stumbled back a couple of steps, finding it difficult to find his bearings. He was taken aback by the speed of the sword piercing the vanished vampire, Hanabusa took a step back as well considering the proximity of the attack. He looked at the angry silverette with glowing golden orbs.
"I guess we know what to do… right? Kuran?" Ichiru hissed, the thought of any harm befalling the children made his blood boil.
"Certainly." Kaname nodded from his side as he grabbed Zero's arm to continue moving down the corridors.
The exit was that much faster, and Zero had no time to protest as he was teleported to the bell tower in the middle of the town.
With a wide view of the town and the areas around it, it was the safest place for the pregnant silverette to stand by. He had enough altitude and clear vision to thwart any incoming attacks with minimum effort.
Kaname finally let go of the strong hold he kept over the pale wrist. He winced internally when noticing the redness from his grip. Using his power, Kaname healed the bruise. He sighed in relief seeing that it worked.
The stillness of the night and the way Zero kept quiet did not bother him. After all, he could already guess what kind of turmoil brewed in his beloved's head, as it mirrored his.
Kaname finally let go of the hand he kept holding a few seconds longer than needed. Turning around, he sighed again, this time at the look of the peaceful city, oblivious to the bloody battle preparing to erupt.
After reviewing the plan in his head once again, Kaname nodded to himself and took a step forward, heart heavy about leaving Zero alone despite knowing that it would not be for long.
Fabric rustling*
"Ah…" Zero snapped out of his stupor. Greeted by the back of the brown-haired vampire, he kept quiet for a second. Taking in the locks swaying at the soft breeze. Zero found himself gazing at the profile of Kaname's face when the latter turned slightly as if taking in the scenery from all angles.
Zero could tell that millions of thoughts were swimming in Kaname's head, especially with the soft nod followed by the step he took forward, but not before glancing his way.
Zero's body moved on its own as he grabbed the edge of the jacket, forcibly turning Kaname around before he could think of teleporting. The other hand grabbed the wrist of the taller man.
The pair stood facing one another as Zero blinked, chasing away his own confusion. Kaname stared into the shaking amethyst orbs, a wistful smile traced his lips. All hostility that Zero displayed earlier dissolved in an instant. The inquisitive stare of the brunet turned tender when faced with the uncertainty and worries in Zero's eyes. At that very moment, Kaname was able to read him like an open book.
He grabbed the back of his neck, pulled him into a searing kiss before whispering against the wet lips while keeping their foreheads connected. "I will come back to you…always… And I am not planning to sacrifice myself for any cause… not anymore…" Kaname could feel some of the tension ease up judging from the way Zero's grip loosened before the hunter intertwined their fingers as he nuzzled the tip of the brunet's nose. Kaname held back a chuckle before whispering in a slightly raspy voice "You can kill me all you want after we are done here."
Zero felt the urge to protest. However, the way that Kaname's eyes were screwed shut along with the trembling of the hand caressing his cheek made him swallow his words.
Kaname tightened the grip over intertwined fingers and licked his own lips. He could feel Zero tense up again at the shift of his aura. Loosening the grip, he brought his hand over Zero's bump while the other hand caressed the cheek some more before sliding downwards.
"However… if you were to see me about to get killed… Don't you dare risk your lives to save me…" the closed eyes finally opened up, glowing red, stern and threatening… Kaname grabbed Zero by the neck again, this time almost strangling him while running a hand on the pregnant bump, it took every bit of willpower not to put the silverette to sleep and out of this fight. "I don't mind dying over and over again… but losing you… losing both of you… is what I won't survive."
The action successfully sobered Zero up. Before he could utter a word, the pregnant vampire found himself stumbling and falling to his knees, albeit softly. He coughed a couple of times as soon as Kaname teleported.
Zero held his neck. It felt hot. He could easily follow the traces of Kaname's fingers over his skin without a mirror. Looking down, the cold stone flooring seemed to provide a bit of comfort against his heated skin. He looked at the details and traced the stones with both hands before seeking the cold sensation by placing his palms over them. He stayed still in that half crouching position. Fists slowly clenched and unclenched, his breathing turned into grunts as he fought away tears threatening to fall as his body shook visibly.
A sense of doom started overwhelming him as the face of a cheerful Keiichi in the arms of the happy Shiki couple threatened to break any moment. Terror gripped at his soul him at the thought of not holding Ai ever again, nor hearing her soft giggle whenever he held her in his arms. Zero hugged himself and rocked as if soothing the pain that coursed through every inch of his body and soul.
Boom*
The sound explosions snapped him back to reality… His head shot up. He could distinguish gunshots and what sounded like grenades going off at a distance. Zero crawled to the corner of the tower and fumbled with the box of equipment prepared beforehand. He pulled the binoculars and groaned as he stood up. One hand supported his weight as he stretched his torso and used the binoculars to inspect the source of the sudden sounds. Zooming in the direction of the castle, a breath of relief washed over him when he realized that the line of defense was standing strong against the incoming herd of level E's.
He quickly wiped away the traces of tears from his cheeks, took a deep breath while cursing his raging hormones. Flipping his phone again, his eyes rested on the glaring screen as his fingers moved fast. Zero started a stopwatch and observed carefully as the fractions of seconds ticked by.
"Any moment now" his senses were on high alert once again.
88888888
Just outside the quiet town, a sleek black limousine ascended the path up the dark forest-covered hill. The thick canopy of trees cast eerie shadows across the road. The headlights pierced through the darkness, illuminating the twisted branches that seemed to reach out and grasp at the vehicle as it passed. Despite quiet and slightly ominous surroundings, the driver navigated the limousine with confidence and skill, maneuvering around the sharp turns and steep inclines with ease.
Cerulean colored eyes peered out the tinted windows. She maintained the usual stoic expression despite her rising anxiety. Rima could not wait for the vehicle to emerge from the dense forest into the clearing, a sign that they would be closest to their destination.
Her eyes shifted from the gliding scenery and back onto the child sleeping on her husband's lap. She could sense that Senri was the least agitated one out of all companions in this ride. Her eyes shifted again to check on the baby wiggling in Ruka's arms.
Ai seemed to pick up on the anxiety of those taking care of her. The absence of her parents did not help much. It was a true blessing that she was not a fussy baby. Rima pondered if the girl took after her father and his calm demeanor. With a head tilt, she chased away the thought when the bubbly and soothing aura of her mother came to mind. I guess Yuki-chan must have been lovely as a child.
Rima tensed a bit when Takuma sighed as he held the vibrating phone to answer yet another call. The mumbling created a white noise in the head of the female vampire as she kept thinking of the many what ifs.
A palm warmer than hers landed softly on the hand gripping her knee. She looked to her side again, this time meeting the confident gaze in the blue-grey eyes she grew to adore. The corner of her lips curved up ever so slightly while her hand twisted to tangle fingers with his in a firm grip.
A gentle squeeze from Senri seemed to chase away all her worries… well… almost all of them.
Takuma ended yet another phone call and slumped in the corner of the vehicle, feeling exhausted already. He gave his long-time friend a helpless look while Senri nodded apologetically.
Rima sighed… "Honestly…" she inhaled sharply as her emotionless façade started to crumble "Chairman Cross worries too much… we are well aware of the situation and danger and…" the frown deepened
"His worries are perfectly justified." Senri cut her off gently… He did not like the idea of Rima letting her anger out on the caring old hunter.
"I agree with Senri…" Takuma nodded, "I don't mind dealing with his repetitive calls… I would probably have done the same had I not been in the ride with you guys." A nod of approval invited yet another moment of silence before the other female spoke her mind softly.
"You two seem to have relaxed once we changed route. this one is not showing any sign of going down anytime soon." Ruka teased Senri, chin pointing at the comfortable child on his lap while she adjusted Ai for yet another session of bottle feeding, hoping that it would ease her discomfort.
"He is growing too big for lap naps." Takuma chuckled when noticing a small leg dangling on the side.
"Never too big for me." The red haired noble sighed. Keiichi did grow bigger in the short time he had not seen him. He was even more bothered by the change of demeanor… it felt like he was maturing way too fast, as if catching up to what he may have missed.
"Well… I am sure they understand why we chose to change routes." Rima caressed the stray locks on the boy's face.
It was a unanimous decision that it was safer for everyone, especially the children, to be away from the Shiki and Toya clans.
Shiki Senri kept tabs of all intel he could get his hands on. Considering the shift in power that was happening after Zero's announcement or the illusion thereof, he could easily predict the way his clan may operate.
They were dealt a great deal of loss after Rido's death, their trump card to reach more power and status. Kiryuu Zero and Kuran Kaname being the masterminds behind their misfortune was the strongest catalyst for them to rebel and take the enemy's side.
As for the Toya clan, they were always opposed to Senri hanging around Rima, let alone marrying her. Even if her parents and direct relatives welcomed him with open arms, Senri could not trust the rest of the clan. He was after all, part Kuran, and the Toya clan seemed to always steer clear of the royal family. Since he could not read their intention, Senri chose to mirror the action and steer away from them as well.
Rima supported his decision fully. She managed to placate the frustration of the chaperone, namely Ichijou Takuma, when she gave him the freedom to choose an alternate plan. She was honestly surprised to learn that Kaname was planning on bringing them to the castle once he secured it personally, before engaging in battle. The King of vampires seemed to share the same sentiment that Senri held towards both clans.
However, that plan did not sit well with the two female vampires. Rima and Ruka protested being left behind with the children in the castle. Their argument was valid, especially if the children were to be targeted. It was as good as being left behind like sitting ducks should the enemy come after the children, especially the King's daughter. The safety of the civilians hidden in the castle would be greatly compromised as well. All the hard work would be for nothing.
Takuma was at a loss. He was certain that the attack would have happened already should the children be targeted. However, he did not have time to negotiate any further. A quick call through the secure line promised a ripple of protest and complaints later, but the blond noble was on the clock.
Emerald eyes remembered looking at the drowsy boy holding his father's hand and then shifted to the baby clutching at Ruka's lock. Takuma ignored the piercing looks of the two females and turned on his heels to follow the father and son pair who simply walked towards the limousine. The ladies followed in silence.
"To Cross Academy." The one word uttered by the king's right hand elicited a sigh of relief from everyone, including the chauffeur, making a blond eyebrow arch up. Takuma dismissed the action, knowing him as the dedicated chauffeur of their princess and her mother. The man also held a soft spot for the bubbly Keiichi who drove in the passenger seat next to him all the way to the airport. He must have been just as worried about the kids' safety.
Now that they were almost at their destination, Takuma nodded to himself. Taking the kids to a much safer place where the best fighters would gather and thwart any kind of threat was the best course of action.
"We are almost at the clearing, Sir!" the driver announced as he took yet another soft turn. Despite keeping his voice low and even, it still jolted the passengers who were deep in their own thoughts.
Ruka sighed as her flinch stirred the baby again. She always missed her calm and collected husband at times like these. Akatsuki Kain always managed to keep her grounded whenever her anxiety got the best of her. The blond ice-wielder cousin would have helped as well, despite being the complete opposite. Hanabusa would push her until she blows her top and takes it out on him. She started to believe that he had been doing that on purpose since childhood.
Ruka chuckled and looked at yet another old classmate sitting across from her. She was greeted with a head tilt and very blank expression, a familiar sight.
"Aren't you getting too comfortable living on campus?" she asked as she caressed a soft head, "I thought that you would be moving much later… Well… by the time Keiichi's school starts."
"It is because of the Kiryuu twin." Rima felt like she had a slip of tongue but did not show it. She gazed outside the window again, but her ears were sharp on Senri's response.
"Hmm?" It was Takuma who reacted first, snapping out of his daze at the statement.
"Senri was always intrigued by Kiryuu Zero since our high school days. It almost looked like he was a fan." Lips were quivering, happy to draw a slight scowl from the dark-haired vampire.
"Please don't be dramatic, Ichijou-san" Senri bit back with the usual calm voice as he adjusted the child in his arms. It annoyed him that his old friend knew how to push his buttons.
"Things sure got livelier since the two moved back." Ruka sighed and added with a genuine rare smile.
"Besides, Senri always liked the moon dorm and life at cross Academy since our student days."
The group recalled the way such a quiet student never failed to voice how peaceful life was ever since he followed Kaname as their leader. Senri being the first to take part in reinstating the night class with Yuki only reinforced their belief. It was unusual for someone like Senri and even Rima to be so invested in Cross campus and the Kuran's affairs… from a stranger's perspective at least. However, anyone aware of Senri's background and sufferings would agree with his actions in a heartbeat.
"After all, that laid back student did not hesitate to deal the first blow to the senate henchmen that came to execute Kiryuu Zero after the death of Hio Shizuka. I remember the glee in your eyes that night. It was as if you were waiting for that moment." Takuma recalled the incident as he rested his temple against the knuckles of his fisted hand. He willed away the goosebumps he felt remembering the predatory look on Senri's face that day.
"I would still do it again… Given the situation back then, I would probably have done it even without waiting for our leader's permission." The statement, delivered in a flat tone, raised a couple of eyebrows.
"As for the peaceful life, I still stand by it… Even more now than ever…" Senri confirmed, "I also know that he will always be safe as long as the Kiryuu twins are around." He gave a faint smile as he caressed the hair of his younger half sibling. Rima felt her heart melt and ache at the same time catching the sight of her two favorite boys. The dimmed moonlight seeping through the window as the limousine approached the clearing made the night feel enchanted.
Takuma exhaled softly; he relaxed in his seat looking out the window. It did not last long. He backtracked the last statement, frowned and looked Senri dead in the eyes.
"Not that I am putting the Kiryuu Twins down, but we are all ready to protect the little ones… putting our life on the line even…" Takuma pouted as he slumped further "What do you mean he will be safe as long as the *boom* *shatter*"
The sound of the glass shattering was loud… the force that propelled the vehicle sideway could not be quantified, neither the level of shock that gripped the passengers. Ruka curled in a ball shielding Ai while Takuma bent over her to prevent any glass shard from getting to the baby.
Rima instinctively glomped over Keiichi while Senri bit his finger and launched a blood whip.
The driver stabilized the damaged vehicle and got out to open the doors, only to find them jammed.
Takuma yelled at him to get away from the vehicle. He took shelter at the signal. In the dead silence of the night, a loud crack echoed. The driver watched as the roof was dismantled, as if cut with a precision tool, before a strong kick sent it flying into the darkness of the night.
The opening allowed Senri to propel with his little family using the strong branches and his own whips. Ruka handed over the baby to the driver who came rushing towards her, jumped out of the car and took Ai back before she ran with the driver in a different direction.
Takuma took the center and front position as he walked away from the vehicle, and away from his comrades. His steps were slow and careful, the opposite of his murderous aura that lashed out instantly. He walked towards what he believed was the source of the attack. His steps halted a distance away from the damaged vehicle, suspicion confirmed.
The red eyes glowering at him from the dense dark forest were enough for him to take action. His hands twitched as he inhaled. He exhaled softly while stretching his neck. Considering the way pace at which his frustration was building up; Takuma was relieved to finally find an outlet.
He raised one of his hands and observed how the veins swelled even more than before. He closed his hand with a tight fist and shuddered. A couple more steps forward made the snarls grow louder and closer. The threat was not dignified, not even by a mere flinch.
Takuma glanced back one more time to make sure that his group was at a safe distance. His eyes glowed red, and he blasted the vehicle in a way that caused a louder, deafening explosion. The flames reflected in his intense gaze, dancing to the agonized screeches of the mad vampires. The cries of pain faded, one after the other, as they were methodically pulverized.
Takuma looked at his hands again, his face glum "So this is what it feels like…"
He clenched his hands and glanced towards Ruka who was holding Ai and scanning the surrounding for any threats.
8888 Flashback 8888
Takuma finished reporting the latest intel after the nurse cleared away the equipment. Kaname's coloring looked much better, the noble vampire felt relieved.
"I have to admit that I had my doubts going into battle with a groggy lethargic leader." Takuma teased as he placed the documents on the desk.
"Have a seat… I may be back in shape, but a battle was never about brute force only… though it does give an advantage…" Kaname spoke quietly as he sipped on his drink while listening to his trusted ally.
Takuma's demeanor shifted instantly at that. It did not escape Kaname's keen eye.
"Relax… I am not going to get 'creative' with the plan at this point." The ancient vampire set his drink back on the table and gestured for the noble to take a seat on the armchair next to him instead of the sofa that Takuma was headed to.
"What is it then?" Takuma was too focused to notice the underlying message in Kaname's words.
"While everything is set in stone, there is still the matter of the children and their safety…" Kaname mused as he rested his elbow on the armrest before tracing in the air as if demonstrating a morbid scenario.
"While I trust that each one of you can hold their ground in battle… Having the kids around can be considered… a handicap… when it comes to survival…"
"Considering that we volunteered… it is not a matter of survival Kaname… we are there to…"
"Protect." Kaname's tone was flat.
Takuma nodded, starting to get anxious about the direction of the conversation.
"Senri and Rima will probably put their lives on the line for the kids, especially Keiichi." Kaname mused.
"Ruka and I would never allow any harm to befall Ai-chan either…" Takuma followed up, his tone betraying his attempt to keep a calm front.
"I am sure you will…" Kaname leaned forward towards the ash blond vampire, both forearms resting on his knees this time. His darker eyes locked on the emerald orbs. The stance took Takuma by surprise, completely foreign to the regal vampire king he served for years. "Question is… are you strong enough to see it through… I mean… until one of us arrives?"
The tone of the last question made everything click in Takuma's head. It finally became clear as to why he was bothered by this conversation. He realized that the person talking to him was not the king of vampire or the war head spearing this battle, it was simply Kaname, Kaname the father of Ai Kuran and Mentor of Kei-chan.
A gentle smile stretched the noble's lips, and he leaned forward, Mirroring the action of his friend.
"I will be holding on till my last breath, way past the time any of you makes it there. Ai will be my priority all the way through, not just until her parents showed up… she will be my priority until the battle is over." He whispered as he patted the knee of the brown-haired vampire.
Takuma was startled when Kaname grabbed that hand tightly, a distinct tingle made him look up in horror as the voice of the older vampire echoed inside his head in time with the knock on the door.
He could hear Kaname instructing whoever knocked to come in, the voice seemed far as the lips moved. His vision blurred, but Takuma squinted at the swimming red hue in the ancestor's eyes.
"Considering your determination, I hope that you would forgive my transgression… I need as much guarantee as possible… I can't afford having you lacking when I am aware of your full potential as the descendant of the Ichijou clan with the Hio blood coursing through your veins." The voice was firm with the hint of an apologetic tone.
Takuma felt his limbs go lax. The world around him turned foggy. He could distinctly feel the prickle of the needle and a voice asking Kaname if they are okay to start. Moments later, warmth seeped through his body from the pierced skin. The warmth spread throughout his body until it was not warm anymore. Takuma panted; he could feel his forehead getting slick with sweat as it dripped through the crevices of his face. That is when he realized that his eyes were shut. His lips quivered, attempting to speak, but only whimpers left his dry mouth.
It was hot… too hot… until it wasn't.
Takuma was sure that he fainted. The confirmation came in the form of the comfortable bed and the dimly lit guest bedroom. He scanned his surroundings and realized that he was still in Kaname's penthouse. Dragging his body out of the room, he grabbed the whole glass bottle of whisky and plopped on the sofa, a distance away from the brown-haired vampire who drank leisurely after acknowledging him with a nod.
Takuma took a few gulps and hissed at the burn… he disregarded the bottle on the side table and threw his head back, staring up at the intricate chandelier and the décor of the expensive ceiling.
"I will take a page from his book and say it… You are an absolute asshole." Takuma gritted, tried to tighten his fist but failed. He then sighed and propped his head to look at the king reading a piece of paper, "You would not leave anything to chance." Takuma chuckled in defeat.
"No, I wouldn't." Kaname confirmed as he offered a glass of wine, "This would probably help you cope… better than that…"
The flute chattered in his extended hand. The glass left micro cuts on his fingers. Kaname blinked a couple of time before bringing his bleeding fingers to his lips. He licked the blood while taking in the fury swimming in the crimson eyes glaring at him.
"Fair enough… I deserved that." The older vampire shrugged nonchalantly, earning a click of tongue from the noble who resumed drinking and hissing at the stronger liquor.
8888 End of Flashback 8888
Senri nodded as he observed the flame engulfing the remnants of the vehicle. He glanced towards Cross campus. The sound of the explosion, the chaos and smoke should be enough signals to send back up. He turned his attention back to his terrified son, making sure Rima was safe and stable at the top of the tree…
He noticed the worries in his wife's eyes and followed her gaze. Takuma was fending away the herd of blood thirsty vampires until Level C showed up. Senri gritted his teeth at that. Looking towards the campus again, he realized that an attack occurred by the walls of the academy. The snarl and screams of the level E made it difficult to hear, but he recognized the sparks of hunter magic as well as the recoil of a certain shotgun.
The breaking point happened when a group blindsided Takuma and closed in on Ruka and the driver. The ex-human leapt into battle, but he was no match to a level C. Senri cursed and stood on the branch, Rima followed immediately and grabbed Keiichi from his arms. Once he made sure that he had a solid foothold on the wood supporting him, Senri launched a web of blood whips, gritting as he extended the lengths as much as possible. Rima watched, horrified at how fast his skin paled and clammed. She held her breath until she saw Ruka elevating fast enough to get out of the enemy's grasp while the driver held them off. Ai was safe in her arms as Senri placed her on a nearby branch of the same tree. The three adults breathed in relief, some more raggedly than others… until…. without warning… the massive plant beneath them collapsed.
Senri's eyes widened in shock as gravity took hold, dragging them downward. A chill ran down his spine as an ominous presence made itself known. Panic surged through him as he caught sight of the driver's bloodied form, once standing but now crumpled and defeated, sprawled on the ground below.
His eyes shifted, he managed to grab Keiichi before the fall. He tightened the grip over his son while his blood whip was being yanked, indicating that Rima was holding on to it. He was confident that they would land safely, but worried for a different reason. He lost sight of Ruka and Ai. The tap of his feet on the ground was almost silent… or maybe not… he would not know because everything turned black in an instant. Was it blood loss? Or… All he could feel in the moments before passing out was the aftermath of Takuma's attack, uncomfortably close…
Everything happened fast, way too fast…
Multiple fights broke instantly. The air was filled with the scent of blood, sounds of bones breaking, slashing of flesh and groans. The snarls of level E grew closer, and their screams grew louder as they perished. The screams of the backup fighters echoed just as loud and strangled. They were doing their best to survive the attack. The smell of burning leaves… and burning flesh made nostrils flare up. The continuous strikes of thunder hitting the ground made the trees shake and the forest roar in displeasure.
And then… everything grew eerily quiet in an instant…
The rush of adrenaline began to fade, leaving a heavy silence punctuated only by the groans and moans of pain that filled the air. Cyrus stood tall on the scorched grass, his immaculate suit unblemished by the chaos.
With ears still ringing from the explosions blasting in her proximity, a female vampire fumbled around to find her bearing again, she could barely conjure a spark let alone thunder. Her eyes shifted around and landed on the ice-wielder. Her stomach dropped. Rima's horror grew when she followed his fixated cold gaze as he held out his arm, his grip tightening around Keiichi's throat, who struggled desperately for breath.
Rima struggled to move, urged by the need to save her son despite the terror gripping her soul. Her limbs betrayed her as they felt like lead, weighed down by the aftermath of the attack. Knees finally hit the ground. Her gaze darted helplessly to the side, where Senri lay motionless, unconscious. Takuma had his hands full fending off the B class vampires attempting to snatch the baby from Ruka's protective arms, while the hunters clashed fiercely with the relentless swarm of E's.
"Keiichi!" Rima screamed her lungs out, trying to get the attention of whoever could help her beloved child. Her eyes drenched in tears mixing with the blood streaming down her forehead. Her vision blurred further when all struggles of the child stopped, looking like a ragdoll in the hand of the man standing a few feet away from her.
"KEIICHIIII!"
8888 TBC 8888
Well... I have been trying my hand in many scenarios and seeing the best way I can finish the story without falling into yet another slump.
It took Longer than I expected, but hey! I made it somehow...
This chapter has been staring at me for about 10 days now, ready to be posted. However, I was scared... I am still scared... but I decided to just do it.
there is a lot going on over here and I will be updating you as I go but it will be too much to write in this footnote so... well... the most important part is that I will be posting much shorter chapters to avoid burnout.
through trial and error over the last month or since my last post... I figured that my current pace allowed me one chapter of this size every 2 to 3 weeks if I do not slack off on my writing and editing schedule.
So I will be committing to that until I find myself capable of going at a much faster pace.
Other than that, there is more good news that I will be sharing in the near future through my socials. See you soon!