AN: Apologies for the late update. But it should get consistent from here on out.

Toru and Kenshin looked at Zero, as he backed up a bit. "Run now!" Toru whispered in a harsh tone. As Zero turned to run, he froze knowing he was causing the two to turn. Suddenly Toru and Kenshin were frozen in fear.

Rido Kuran stood before them, blocking his path. "Now why are three little hunters doing up here?" He had a few nobles that served him to surround them all. Rido approached Zero, as the vampires grabbed the others. "You know, you remind me of someone, but with those colored eyes and dark hair, only your face looks like him. Perhaps if I," he ripped the wig off forcefully, revealing Zero's silver hair, as he grinned. "Zero Kiryu...I thought you were dead, but I thought wrong." He leaned closer, causing Zero to back away, only to be grabbed by his chin. "Did you ever wonder what happened to your memories? Who stole them from you? Who made you live as a child for over 1,000 years? Who took everything away from you?"

Zero's eyes widen, as he realizes exactly who this was in front of him. The man who destroyed his family. And now he was at this man's mercy for a third time. "What do you want from me? You already stole everything, what more do you want?"

Rido pulled Zero closer, as he bent one of Zero's arms behind his back and held his other in place. Zero struggled to get free, as Rido painfully pulled Zero's arm, causing him to cry out in pain. "Be a good little pureblood and allow me to awaken you again. But not here. No. I don't want those hunters getting their hands on you." He turned to his nobles, who had knocked out the two males as Rido was taunting Zero. He smacked Zero in the back of the neck, causing the teen to collapse in his arms. He glanced down at Zero with an evil smirk. "I have something once again that belongs to you, Toshiro. But your son is now mine and I won't ever give him up." The vampires disappeared in the night, as the hunters dragged the unconscious Yagari and the unconscious vampire away.

Toshiro stopped when they all made it to their destination. Kaiya gave a soft sigh, as she looked back in the direction of the Academy. "I'm worried that they haven't caught up to us yet, father. Something happened back there." Shizuka raised her eyes to Toshiro, who stared at her. He closed his eyes. "I need to tell her." Toshiro nodded, as Kaiya approached Shizuka. Even though she was staying in the Academy, she had yet to know about Zero or his return.

Upon hearing it, she glared at Toshiro. "Regardless of your reasons, that child is not only yours. He is mine as well. I'm the one who carried my children for 3 years!"

"Mother please," Ichiru appeared before her. "Father recently found out this was Zero and we meant to tell you. We never meant to keep it from you." The nobles of Kaname's circle were nearby and looked at Kaname, who had his eyes closed. So Kaname knew they realized because he wasn't reacting like Shizuka was.

"Where are they?" Kaname asked a moment later. He reopened his eyes and looked at Toshiro. "I understand hunters are not as fast, but they should have been here by now."

Kaien's phone rang, as he withdrew it. He opened it and put it on speaker, "Hello?"

"Kaien, I need your help now!" Yagari yelled into the phone. "I've been arrested and I'm being put to death for protecting and raising Zero! I don't know where he is right now!"

Kaien froze, looking at them. Yuuki looked close to tears, as Toshiro made a fist. "Are they allowing any visitors?"

"Only human! They also have one of the night class students who didn't make it out in time! They are going to kill him tomorrow morning!" Yagari sounded emotional, which was so unlike him. "I'm at the Association, Kaien! Please!"

"I understand," Kaien knew exactly what Yagari needed, as he hung up. "Who wants to assist me in freeing Yagari and that vampire?" The others looked at him, as they also looked at Toshiro.

The older vampire bit his lower lip softly. "I think a group should go after Yagari and that student, while another group goes after Zero and his friends." Toshiro turned to Kaien, "Pick a team quickly."

Kaien nodded. "Kaname, you since it's your subordinate in danger. Seiren, Kaiya, Aido, and Kain since you're the fastest of the night class students." He turned to Ichiru. "I want you to go with your father to find your brother." The silver-haired male nodded. "We leave immediately."

Kaname gave his subordinates a look and one command. "You listen to Toshiro-sama and if he picks you, you did not give him issues." They nodded, as Kaien's team left.

Toshiro's eyes fell on Shizuka. "You stay." She glared at her and he returned it. "I understand your feelings, but they need a pureblood to protect them, Shizuka. Please don't fight with me anymore." Hearing his words, she closed her mouth and only nodded. He turned his attention back to the students. "As much as I want to take you, Takuma, I don't think I should. Kaname already left, so I should keep the vice president here. Ruka, Shiki, and Rima, I would like you to come with me." The three students nodded. "Hiroshi," he turned to the young male who was standing beside his sister. "Stay with Takuma and Shizuka. You two will be safe. I need you all to go to the old Kiryu Estate. Every single one of you will be safe there." He turned to every one of the vampires. "Listen to Takuma and Shizuka please. Since the Academy isn't safe, follow them." Within minutes, everyone was gone.

AN: Let me know your thoughts.

~XYukiNoHanaX~
10/10/2024
2:48 AM