Chapter 15
Aido and Yuki rest under a tree, the brunette's annoyed at not finding Zero after hours of searching.
"It's been a long night" the blond mutters staring at the crescent moon.
The rising sun lights the Academy grounds, causing the newly awakened pureblood female to shy away from the rays.
"It's morning, we need to get back before Lord Kaname returns" Aido suggest.
"Fine, Yuki stands, I couldn't find Zero anyway and I thought I smelled Kaname's blood earlier" the wind blows long brown hair.
"You'll be sensitive to many new things now, but Lord Kaname will be worried if you aren't there when he returns" his gaze shifts away.
"But, brown eyes close to focus, I sense an ominous presence, she trails off, and others are stirring too as if in command by that presence" her eyes snaps open as a chilling breeze sweeps through rustling her night gown.
"This Academy is no longer the safe haven I had hoped for, Kaien turns to the hunter behind him with a wistful gaze, let the students know they must go home."
Yagari remain silent then lift his gaze to the lighting sky.
"You're all to return home until further notice from the Headmaster" the day class Rep informs the gathered students outside their dorm.
Ruka, Seiren and Kain stands quietly on the steps behind the talking male student.
"Once you're pack please proceed to building twelve and follow Mr. Yagari's instructions"
"I'm taking Senri, Takuma move to his slumbering mate, Rido doesn't need him anymore" he lifts the redhead easily from the bed into his arms.
"Do as you wish, Ichiru watch him leaves indifferent, Shizuka it's almost time, he pulls the bell ribbon from his hair then clench it in a fist, just a little longer" he whispers determine.
"Is it alright now to let the students outside?" Ruka ask.
"Lord Kaname's orders were clear, Seiren step out from the Sun Dorm, after a final search for stragglers reply, we are to make sure the day class students stay out of harms way"
"That's if we can get them out of here" Kain adds.
"Say...maybe this isn't such a good idea" one of the two day students girls, walking to the Moon Dorm, voice hesitant.
"But who knows when we'll see the night students next, I'm already going through withdrawals" her friend retorts excited at seeing her Idol.
"Good morning Ladies, a beautiful and well dressed woman, wearing a neat green skirt-suit with an elegant hat, steps out from the trees startling the girls at her sudden appearance, young girls are so energetic even in the morning, I use to be that way too" she purrs.
The two girls glance at each other unease then turns to leave in the opposite direction, only to shriek in fright seeing the woman standing there.
"My, my, she cups one of their cheek with a devious smile, you will be fine gifts for my master" she declares, eyes turning crimson, nails extents into sharp claws.
The girls scream, stumbling back when the woman's free hand rise to strike that suddenly burst into flame.
Kain, Seiren and Ruka arrive in time to their rescue.
Dozens of butterflies, wings a glacier blue, transparent, seemingly fragile as thin ice, flutters in the wind, scatters about the Academy. One making its way back onto school grounds.
Zero sat in a tree, in the densest part of the forest, concealing his presence. Familiar butterflies flutters about him, others perched on leaves and branches. Glancing left he holds out a index finger and the butterfly lands. Zero's expressions darkens at the info his familiar relays mentally.
"How nostalgic, the familiar vanish like mist, the hunter's president sure knows how to get on my last nerve and that arrogant male Ichiou really thinks he can take advantage of my mate" a sinister aura ooze from Zero's form.
The dragon has been watching all the main players more closely when Kaname decided to awakened Yuki especially the head of the hunters and Senate. He'd deactivate the lethal spell placed on the barrier on his return (he didn't want to make it too easy on the night students, it wouldn't be fun otherwise) and send out his familiars (he'd already placed other to watch individuals outside the Academy).
'Kaname may have his plans, but so do I, I'd given him leeway to do what he must, he sighs, though watching the night students dispose of the enemy isn't as entertaining like I'd thought'
"Kain Cross is ever so dramatic, icy blue slit eyes gaze up at the rustling leaves, a doting father and such a hypocrite, he jumps from the tree, landing without a sound, all this fuss over a two-face child, all the butterflies familiar follow him down to hover about silver head, and that female seems to be under the wrong impression about Kaname and Yuki's relationship, his expression turns thoughtful, Ruka was it?"
Zero stretch sleeve covered hands above his head, after sitting for a while.
"Oh, the presence of another pureblood followed by the scent of familiar blood catch his attention, seems it's time to pay my dear twin a visit, he starts walking, to finally put an end to his misery" the familiars flutters after him.
'The distant ominous presence has suddenly become stronger, Yuki, now dressed in her school uniform shudders in fear, I really need to find Zero, he'll protect me, he always has' "I need to hurry" she got up from the bed then make a bee-line for the door only to be stop by Aido standing there.
"Have you already forgotten what Lord Kaname said" the blond grabs her upper arms, firm yet gentle.
"Release me now, I have to go find Zero" Yuki sounds desperate.
Blue eyes widens, "You couldn't for hours, his grip tightens, maybe he isn't at the school anymore or he doesn't want to see you" he grit his teeth.
"You're hurting me, let go" she demands.
Aido release her as though burnt, "forgive me Lady Yuki, he steps back with a bow, gaze lower, my emotions got the better of me, but I can't let you leave this room"
"Who am I to you, Aido?" Yuki asks calm.
Blue eyes raise to meet narrowed brown, "the pureblood Hime"
"Correct, your superior, just because I've lived like a human for years, you think you can treat me like one and look down on me" she glowers. 'You dare get in my way'
Aido stare stun, "What?"
"I'm your future Queen, you have no right to stop me, now move" her true self slips through.
The blond steps away from the doorway defeated, "do as you please" he looks away.
Yuki walks pass without a backward glance.
'How unexpected, guess she wasn't as innocent as she portray, maybe its a good thing Lord Kaname chose Kiryu, he walks into the room to stare out the window, she'll be furious when Lord Kaname tell the others about Kiryu and Yuki realize she won't be Queen'
"You don't look well Ichiru, Zero step onto the path, halting the wounded younger twin's steps, you've now outlived your use, little brother" a magic circle appear under Ichiru's feet startling him, another above his head.
"What is this, Ichiru press on the energy bars caging him in, what are you doing, Ichiru gasps eyes widening when Zero's lavender eyes turn icy blue and slit, you're not Zero, who are you?!" the younger twin demands.
"You're big brother, though not as you remember, he smirks sly, I'm no longer that soft hearted child" a snap of his fingers, actives the circles.
Ichiru collapse to his knees staring at his fading hands, "What's happening?" he heaves. 'Shizuka' with a final exhale Ichiru dematerialize leaving only his bloody clothes on the ground.
"Are you going to keep hiding?" Zero asks the conceal figure unbothered while the circles vanish and the crystal, formed inside, floats to land in his outstretch palm.
"I was waiting until you finished, Kaname steps into view, why have you hidden your presence" the brunette walks closer.
"You found me just fine" Zero retorts then swallows the crystal.
An otherworldly glow outlines Zero's form, the seal mark on his neck fades (which he doesn't need anymore for his ruse), patches of scales litters visible skin, silver hair grows to knee length, crystal curve horns protrude from both sides of his head, crystal wings and tail sprout from between shoulder blades and tailbone. Hands and feet turns dragonoid with sharp claws and talons.
"Great, my uniform is destroyed, he huffs, no matter should be an easy fix, not that I'll use it again after today"
Tender hands cups marked cheeks, "you're finally whole mate, Kaname steals a soft kiss, how do you feel?" he ignore the swarm of butterflies around.
"Euphoric, icy blue slit eyes stares up lovingly into burgundy, you'll soon be as well" he reverts back to looking human, repairing his uniform simultaneously.
"I think I prefer you with long hair" Kaname tease stroking silk strands.
"Good, I intend to keep it this way" Zero wrap pale arms around Kaname's neck pulling him into a passionate kiss.
"Don't you have somewhere to be mate, Zero ask against soft lips, do you have time to waste on little old me?" he tease back.
"Anytime with you is never a waste, his arms tighten around Zero's waist, but I do have to see Yuki before going to the Senate"
"She has left the room" Zero informs.
"That disobedient child" the pureblood nibbles the dragon's bottom lip.
"Unlike little Sophie, she was adorable, the silverette tries to detangle from his mate but the other refuse to let go, you need to go now, he change the subject before the brunette could retort, you're distracting me, we can't be behind schedule if you want us to leave on time"
Kaname sighs heavily releasing Zero reluctantly, "alright, he turns to leave after stealing another kiss, please remember we'll be leaving before the sun is high"
"Look who's talking, he watch Kaname walks away, I'll go entertain myself" Zero turns then walk in the opposite direction.
Flashback
At the Crown Prince's Palace, in the Rose Garden
"Who are you to command me?" Rosalg asked the human across from him, the two sat under a large white parasol.
"T-that is not how I intended my words to come across" the male dressed in white robes stammered nervous.
"I have to say you people are quite persistent, High Priest, Rosalg disguised as a Noble woman huffed, does no have a different meaning these days or has the Pope gone senile, you are starting to infuriate me" his tone radiated annoyance.
"Forgive us, the unwanted guest bowed his head courteous, and in exchange for your cooperation we will snuff all ill rumors tarnishing your reputation, he straightens to meet icy slit eyes, his holiness is just concerned, it is not common for a Divine being of your status to involve themselves with human Empires"
"It is adorable you think you can bargain with me and that I care about human opinions, he chuckled amused, and I have told your superior before, the Empire does not concern me, only the Crown Prince, unless you want your precious Temples reduce to rubbles there will be no future unprompted visits henceforth"
The High Priest grimaced, "I understand but the Pope is not asking for much only a guarantee of your continued neutrality"
"Oh, Rosalg picked up his teacup, sounds to me the Pope is finally planning to make his move soon, the Priest tensed, my neutrality will be the least of your concern if your little play for power harms my Prince in any way, he glowered at him over the cup's rim, not even your Goddess will save you all from me" he smiled sharply placing the cup on the saucer.
Sweat beaded on the Priest forehead despite the cool wind.
"It seems I have overstayed my welcome, he stand then bowed, if you will excuse me, I shall take my leave, Lord Ice Dragon"
"Should my identity make tomorrow rumor mill, I will make a visit to the Pope as previously requested" Rosalg called after the retreating man causing him to stumbled then quickened his pace.
"Honestly, Roslag huffed then leaned back in his chair, I swear they are worst than the Mages from the Tower" crystal butterflies fluttered about the flowers nearby, 'sending Beatrice away with little Sophie was a good idea'
"Lady Lilith, Lady Lilith" a child's voice called repeatedly.
Blue slit eyes shifted to the side to see a little girl (eleven years old) running to her, holding a bunch of white roses, Beatrice close behind.
"You should not run Princess, Beatrice gently admonished, you could fall and hurt yourself" Rosalg smiled softly at the child and patted soft brown hair once in reach.
Bright red eyes stared up at him, "I will be careful-but look, she held up the roses to him, a gift, they remind me of you"
"Thank you little one, want to join me for tea"
"Yes" she grinned happy.
"Beatrice clear that away" he gestured to the Priest side of the table.
"Right away, My Lady" she bowed then got to work.
To be continue…