Some time later, after almost everyone has returned to school after break…
A young man and an older man sat across from one another in the comfortable back of a long black limousine, the world rolling by unheeded beyond the darkly tinted glass. It was daylight outside, meaning they would rather be sleeping than traveling about, but they had much to do and were not wasting any time. Despite the apparent age difference between the two vampires, it was the younger one who obviously was the figure of greatest power, which was apparent from the way the older one addressed him.
The younger one had an odd bearing, as if he was in fact older than the almost boyishly youthful body, and his eyes were two different colors. The body belonged to Shiki Senri, but the soul inhabiting it was that of his father, Rido Kuran.
The other vampire was Asato Ichijo, head of the Council, one of the oldest and most powerful of the Aristocrat vampires.
The current topic of conversation between the two focused on someone that both of them had a relation to in one way or another. Kaname Kuran. The young pureblood was Rido's nephew and Ichijo's former ward. Kaname had been more than eager to shed Ichijo's guardianship as soon as he was of age, although the older man still controlled the younger Vampire's estates in part - out of kindness, so that Kaname wouldn't have to be bothered with it. There was no love-loss between ward and guardian. The same would have been mutually true of Kaname and his uncle Rido… if Kaname had known that the other vampire was alive. Or at least, as alive as he currently was. But Kaname did not know that yet, and Rido intended to press that advantage. He had plans for his nephew. Very important plans.
"Kaname is too strong and too well protected. He's ensconced himself at Cross Academy with quite a loyal following. Shizuka was a fool to think she could get to him. It is difficult to topple a pureblood with no weaknesses," Ichijo observed grimly.
"It is," Rido smiled coldly with Shiki's body as he agreed. "But you give my nephew too much credit. He has one weakness, and it is quite large and vulnerable. Why do you think it is that he stays at Cross Academy? Do not be fooled into thinking that his pathetic, pacifist goals are the only thing at work there, nor even his desire to stay away from you…" the smile took on a slightly mocking tone for just a moment. For having been out of it as long as Rido had been, he had caught himself up to date on everything quite quickly since taking over Shiki's body. "Is it not obvious that Kaname remains there at least in part to watch over that human girl? Yuki Cross… his weakness."
Ichijo snorted derisively. He had no idea what his former ward saw in the foolish little girl, or in any human. It was an offense to think that he might actually be serious about her. That was stooping low even for a common vampire, and Kaname was a pureblood. He should realize he had a responsibility to spawn the next generation of strong vampire blood, not destroy his line with his own folly. But then, his ward had always been a strange one. Ichijo had given up on him. Now that Rido was back… they had no need for Kaname, and he could be used for… other purposes.
"Amusing, how like Shizuka he is in that regard," Ichijo replied. "Her weakness was also her ex-human lover. I don't know what it is they see in those creatures. Yuki Cross is well protected. We could still kill her easy enough if we chose… but I don't see how that would help us get to Kaname. Would it not merely be jabbing a sleeping bear with a sharp stick? Your nephew is disturbingly placid for a vampire, but harming the Cross girl will surely bring out a blood vengeance in him, if he is as serious about her as it appears."
"No… killing the girl would be counter-productive, as it would remove my nephew's one weakness. Removing our best pawn too early in the game would be wasteful. We must not harm her. If harm befalls her, it must be by Kaname's hand. The dear boy would never forgive himself…" Rido smiled cruelly. "But our ticket to making Kaname vulnerable still rests with his affection for her. Just in a more… roundabout way. To get to the king through the queen… we'll topple a knight."
Rido was obviously very pleased with the plan he'd devised and he was enjoying giving it a good build up. Ichijo was silently just a bit impatient with the somewhat cryptic manner of their conversation, but he did not let such show. Rido held his absolute obedience and deference. So he merely listened and waited for the plan to become clear. "My lord?"
"Well, admittedly, I elevate their titles too high, but the analogy holds true for pawns as well. To get to Kaname through his weakness, we must attack Yuki Cross through her weakness. And her weakness… is the boy whom she lets drink her blood, despite the human taboos they break in the process." Rido's eyes were bright with pleasure at the cleverness of his own plan. He was disturbingly well informed about what was going on behind closed doors at Cross Academy, and he intended to use all that hard-earned information to good effect now. "Zero Kiriyu. Ex-human vampire. He grew up with the Cross girl, they're very close. What's interesting, however… is that my nephew is so intent on protecting the boy, I assume for the girl's sake."
"He did defy the council to prevent his execution after the Shizuka incident," Ichijo agreed.
Rido laughed. Ichijo still believed that Kiriyu had actually killed the pureblood. Well, let him believe that. Rido had no proof but his own suspicion, but he was silently quite sure his nephew had killed the woman and drunk her blood. He did not disapprove. Actually, it was quite a gutsy move for the nephew he considered such a disappointment. The fact that Kaname's tiresome principles were still in place, however, showed in that he hadn't simply let Zero take the fall for him. It was not an entirely selfless move, however. Obviously, Kaname had some use for the ex-human for which he wanted him preserved.
"Yes, yes he did. But even more interesting, and much less known…" Rido paused, this was his piece de triumph and he was savoring the moment.
Ichijo managed not to look irritated.
"…Is that my dear nephew has let that ex-human drink his blood in order to stave off the boy's decent into Level E madness." Rido smirked, enjoying watching the shock register on his companion's face.
Ichijo was floored and did not bother to hide it. Rido had not been building up to that revelation for naught. It was a truly shocking thought. Kaname's blood was protected by law; anyone who took it without permission would die. It was that simple. It was the only thing that had kept Ichijo from sliding into his ward's bedroom when Kaname was young and more defenseless and taking what it was he so badly craved when there was no one around to stop him. Of course, Kaname could give his blood to whomever he wished, although it was understood that this was reserved only for persons of the highest honor, or whom he was seriously considering spending his life with. It was part of the responsibility, and restriction, of being a pureblood. Lower class vampires were much freer about such things amongst themselves, and there were plenty who drank each other's blood willy-nilly. Even in the noble class these days, societal norms and morals had relaxed significantly in that regard over the years, although the attachments it tended to form between the vampires involved was certainly a consideration. But purebloods were some of the few still expected to adhere to the older, more draconian social codes, and not entirely for no reason. Pure vampire blood was precious and powerful. It was also a matter of honor. Kaname could drink from whomever he pleased as long as they were below his station, and society would happily turn a blind eye, but to allow someone else to have his blood was a serious thing.
There was no containing the deep, dark rage that flashed through Ichijo like wildfire at the knowledge that Kaname had let some ex-human brat for whom he couldn't possibly have any feelings partake of that pure blood and the power that it possessed. Let him drink that incredible gift that Kaname had always denied him, even though Ichijo was the most powerful Aristocrat around. If there was anyone who had been worthy of Kaname making exception for, whom even society would have understood, as long as it was discrete, it had been him. Now this…
Rido had expected the reaction, and sadistically, he enjoyed watching it play out across his subordinate's features. Rage, of course, at the dispensing of what he'd craved for himself for so long, as well as deep disdain… it was obvious that Ichijo felt Kaname had in essence whored himself to the ex-human, a disgrace so deep there was no forgiving it. Many would feel that way if they knew and believed that it had actually happened. It truly had been a risky move on Kaname's part… he could lose a lot more than just respect and status if word got out. No one would believe it though. No one would think a Kuran would stoop to that, no matter how sickeningly 'noble' the goal. They'd laugh at the notion. Rido wasn't laughing, but neither was he disgusted. To him, this was simply a golden opportunity.
"I thought you might find that interesting," he remarked when Ichijo appeared speechless. "As degenerate as it is, however, I think that fact shall be very useful to us. Kaname has already proven that he is willing to go to lengths to preserve the boy, even if it is just for the girl's sake. The girl is a human, she can't drink Kaname's blood and for some reason, he hesitates to change her. But Kiriyu… if he were damaged badly enough… mortally wounded perhaps, but not quite dead, and if the girl should find him… it would distress her to no end, I'm sure. It would be interesting to see what Kaname would do then, and to what length he might be willing to go, when his blood is perhaps the only thing that can save his dear girl's best friend."
Understanding finally dawned in Ichijo's eyes, but he looked a bit skeptically at the other vampire. "My lord… do you really think he'd go to such drastic lengths?"
"I am unsure," Rido admitted. "But he has done the unspeakable once… the second time should be much easier, I would think. And even if not, we lose nothing. The boy's life is of no concern so long as the girl survives to continue being my nephew's weakness."
Ichijo nodded. The logic was sound and the plan was clever. He was, quite frankly, impressed. Getting Kaname to a weakened state was their only hope of taking him, and this just might work. A thought came to him though and he frowned slightly.
"Takuma might be useful to us on the inside…" he ventured, although even his own eyes betrayed doubt he hadn't meant to show. He didn't want Rido to think less of him and his family because of his grandson, who would play his part and honor his family. He would do his duty by the Ichijo name and forget his childish sense of loyalty and friendship to Kaname, or Asato would see that he was well and truly punished.
Rido shook his head. "No. I do not want to involve him yet. His loyalties are divided and I fear, Ichijo, that he might very well give away our plans." The words were cold. Rido did not take lightly the fact that they had a possible traitor in the fold.
"My lord, my grandson is young and sometimes foolish…" Ichijo hastened to intercede upon seeing that look. "Since Kaname was my ward, the two of them grew up in the same house together. He is merely confused, but he is an Ichijo, he will order his priorities accordingly, I promise you."
"I hope you are right," Rido said simply, his cold smile managing to be unreadable and menacing at the same time. "For the time being, however, I think it is best that he remain at the mansion or somewhere else, safely out of the way until he has had a chance to, as you say, order his priorities." He was aware that Ichijo had locked his grandson in his room before they left. Takuma's reaction to Rido's possession of Shiki, and their initial plotting against Kaname had not been outright treason, but had not engendered much trust either.
"Who will take care of Kiriyu?" Ichijo inquired, partly wanting to know, partly to change the subject.
Rido smiled. "Oh… I've already got someone in mind. Someone already at the school who will be only too happy to help."
Ichiru Kiriyu glanced at his watch. Time was passing away. Where was Zero? His twin brother should have come out already and made his way towards the boy's dormitory. But he was still in the school building. The Night Class had already left, returning to their dorm without the escort of either of the school Guardians, so the Cross girl was still in there as well. He also hadn't seen Kuran leave with the others. What were the three of them up to? If they loitered much longer he would lose his chance this morning, and the plan would have to be put off to another day.
He'd not been at the school very long yet, only since the start of the term, but he'd already made himself meticulously familiar with the grounds, schedules and routines of almost everyone, or the important ones at least. Seemed he would soon get a chance for all that to pay off.
Morning was already starting to tentatively streak the sky. Finally he saw Zero leave the school building, looking as if the world had crashed down on his shoulders. Ichiru started forward… then stopped as Yuki and Kaname followed Zero out a few moments later. There was a strange air hovering around all of them. Yuki seemed somewhere between pleased and conflicted and Kaname was unreadable as usual.
Yuki fled away to the girl's dorm without looking back, looking as if her mind and heart were too full to make sense of. Kaname stood, his gaze following her away for several long moments, then he started towards the Moon dorm, but Zero stopped him, calling his name sharply. Ichiru watched from his concealed spot, curious now, what was going on. Kaname looked distracted. Zero looked furious.
Suddenly, to Ichiru's intense surprise, the ex-human rounded and swung at Kaname, slugging the pureblood squarely on the jaw and sending him stumbling back a pace. What on earth? Had his twin already gone batty?
"How dare you?" Zero shouted at Kaname, simmering with rage now that Yuki was safely away and out of earshot. "How friggin' dare you? You've no right to force her into a relationship with you. I thought even you had more honor than that! You… you freak!"
Kaname registered a moment of surprise at the blow, but not very much. He recovered quickly, but did not retaliate; his fingers sliding up to lightly touch his lip. It was bleeding. He looked at Zero icily, but calmly. "I forced Yuki to do nothing. Do you honestly think she would have agreed if it wasn't what she wanted? You really think she's some kind of tramp to do such a thing?" His eyes flashed with anger. The way Kaname saw it, he'd been the one trapped, backed into a corner he'd tried to avoid. He couldn't fault her for it, but Yuki had forced his hand by confronting him like she had and in front of Kiriyu too. He'd tried to distract her the first time, even confessed his love to her. But she'd been insistent this time, even knowing how he felt. What else was he supposed to do?
Zero was too furious to speak. He launched himself at Kaname again, but the blow didn't fall this time. Kaname caught his wrist tightly, catching his arm and swinging the ex-human around, pulling him in close so they were face to face. "You give her far too little credit, Kiriyu. Yuki is not a child; she can make her own choices."
Zero continued to struggle, trying to wrench away from Kuran. "Then why didn't you let her make her own choice instead of giving her no alternative if she wants to know about her past? Or do you always have to blackmail the people you love." The ex-human used the word contemptuously. He seriously felt that Kuran didn't know the meaning of it.
That blow hit Kaname harder than the physical one had. Had… had it really sounded like that? Did Yuki think that she was paying him with her affections? That wasn't what he wanted. He simply… he needed her to love him, needed to be sure of her love… before he could tell her what she wanted to know. Selfish maybe, but he could not live if he revealed the truth and it made her hate him. If she was already his lover… she would know, without a shadow of a doubt, that no matter what he revealed his heart was hers and only hers, she would know that she was all he wanted in this world. But the whole situation had been so awkward and difficult… Yuki had forced a confrontation he had been trying hard to avoid and he'd hardly known what to say. That was a very unusual situation for him. He was used to giving orders, to being obeyed. Had his words come out sounding like a command? A threat?
Kaname was so put off for a moment that he didn't notice Zero had pulled away until he found himself reeling backward again, slamming up against the wall of the building behind him, head and jaw ringing from Zero's second punch. Damn… the boy was very strong, thanks in no small part to the power he'd gained from having drunk Kaname's blood. That. Really. Hurt. The pureblood's fists bunched at his sides.
It took a great deal of control to not strike back. It would gain him nothing to hurt Zero, and in honesty, Kaname could not blame the other vampire for his anger or his heartbreak. Would he have taken it any easier if he'd just watched Yuki agree to be Zero's lover? Probably not. Although he felt he would certainly have controlled his temper better.
With a growl, Kaname pushed off the wall and caught both Zero's wrists before he could continue his assault, squeezing them hard enough to almost snap the bones, but stopping short of actually doing damage. He shook Zero firmly once. "Stop it. You think this resolves anything? I would never force Yuki to do anything she didn't want to, ever!" he growled angrily, his eyes dark and stormy… but also shadowed with doubt.
"Right, but you'll quite happily strip away her humanity and turn her into a nice little ex-human slave that you can have all to yourself. That you can play with until you're bored with her. That's what you high and mighty purebloods see us as, isn't it? Your servants? Your slaves? How can you even pretend that you love her?" Zero seethed. He was absolutely livid and cared nothing for the sharp pain Kaname's crushing grip was causing. "You could never do that to her if you loved her!"
Kaname practically trembled with rage. For a moment it looked like he really might snap Kiriyu's wrists, but instead he just gave a shove, flinging the boy away from him. "Do not speak to me about what's in my heart! You know nothing about it," he growled. "I tell you, I would never hurt her or force her. Becoming my lover does not mean I will bite her, not if she doesn't want me to. I would never, EVER change her unless it was what her heart truly desires. And if I did, I would be making her a queen, do you understand that? How dare you insinuate that I would keep her like some kind of… of concubine! I want her to live beside me forever. She would be respected and loved by everyone because I would make sure they did so, unless they want to reckon with me," he seethed. That would be a tall order, and he knew it, but Kaname meant what he said.
Did Zero have no idea, the sacrifice he was making in taking Yuki as a lover without expecting her to let him bite her? Without that perfect intimacy? Without being assured that she would ever want him to… having to live with the fear that she would want to live out her short days as a mortal, and die before they had hardly breathed a handful of breaths together? Did Zero have no idea what that would do to him? Kaname felt that when he mated, it would be for life. He would never desire any woman but Yuki. If she did not choose to be his completely, to become one of his kind… it would be the end of him when she died. Perhaps literally. It was usually when they lost a mate, that pureblood vampires committed suicide, unable to deal with the prospect of an eternity without their beloved.
Zero seemed unappeased, but perhaps he read the dark turmoil of emotion in Kaname's eyes… or at least had enough sense to read the danger there, because he did not attack again. It would do no good. He couldn't stop Yuki, couldn't protect her from this disastrous folly. It wasn't just about her choosing someone else… he could have dealt with that, so long as she was happy, but he felt Yuki trusted Kuran far too much for her own good and he truly feared for her. Right now his heart was broken and he had so many feelings flooding through him he didn't know what to do with himself, but he couldn't let the arrogant pureblood bastard see him break. Zero turned and disappeared swiftly.
About the same time, Ichiru faded back behind the building and also disappeared. He wondered at the explosion he'd just witnessed. Obviously it had something to do with that whimpering little Cross girl. He had no clue what those two saw in such a child. He wondered if this conflict between Kaname and Zero were going to affect the plan, though… but he decided things would carry on anyway. After all, it was no skin off his nose if it didn't work. He didn't care a whit what happened to Kuran. His brother, however… that was a different matter. The chance was lost for now, though. Zero was already gone and Ichiru couldn't afford to make a move with Kaname so near anyway; the vampire had possibly already scented him, although he'd obviously been…pre occupied with other matters. He would have to wait, bide his time for later. Perhaps tonight…
A young man and an older man sat across from one another in the comfortable back of a long black limousine, the world rolling by unheeded beyond the darkly tinted glass. It was daylight outside, meaning they would rather be sleeping than traveling about, but they had much to do and were not wasting any time. Despite the apparent age difference between the two vampires, it was the younger one who obviously was the figure of greatest power, which was apparent from the way the older one addressed him.
The younger one had an odd bearing, as if he was in fact older than the almost boyishly youthful body, and his eyes were two different colors. The body belonged to Shiki Senri, but the soul inhabiting it was that of his father, Rido Kuran.
The other vampire was Asato Ichijo, head of the Council, one of the oldest and most powerful of the Aristocrat vampires.
The current topic of conversation between the two focused on someone that both of them had a relation to in one way or another. Kaname Kuran. The young pureblood was Rido's nephew and Ichijo's former ward. Kaname had been more than eager to shed Ichijo's guardianship as soon as he was of age, although the older man still controlled the younger Vampire's estates in part - out of kindness, so that Kaname wouldn't have to be bothered with it. There was no love-loss between ward and guardian. The same would have been mutually true of Kaname and his uncle Rido… if Kaname had known that the other vampire was alive. Or at least, as alive as he currently was. But Kaname did not know that yet, and Rido intended to press that advantage. He had plans for his nephew. Very important plans.
"Kaname is too strong and too well protected. He's ensconced himself at Cross Academy with quite a loyal following. Shizuka was a fool to think she could get to him. It is difficult to topple a pureblood with no weaknesses," Ichijo observed grimly.
"It is," Rido smiled coldly with Shiki's body as he agreed. "But you give my nephew too much credit. He has one weakness, and it is quite large and vulnerable. Why do you think it is that he stays at Cross Academy? Do not be fooled into thinking that his pathetic, pacifist goals are the only thing at work there, nor even his desire to stay away from you…" the smile took on a slightly mocking tone for just a moment. For having been out of it as long as Rido had been, he had caught himself up to date on everything quite quickly since taking over Shiki's body. "Is it not obvious that Kaname remains there at least in part to watch over that human girl? Yuki Cross… his weakness."
Ichijo snorted derisively. He had no idea what his former ward saw in the foolish little girl, or in any human. It was an offense to think that he might actually be serious about her. That was stooping low even for a common vampire, and Kaname was a pureblood. He should realize he had a responsibility to spawn the next generation of strong vampire blood, not destroy his line with his own folly. But then, his ward had always been a strange one. Ichijo had given up on him. Now that Rido was back… they had no need for Kaname, and he could be used for… other purposes.
"Amusing, how like Shizuka he is in that regard," Ichijo replied. "Her weakness was also her ex-human lover. I don't know what it is they see in those creatures. Yuki Cross is well protected. We could still kill her easy enough if we chose… but I don't see how that would help us get to Kaname. Would it not merely be jabbing a sleeping bear with a sharp stick? Your nephew is disturbingly placid for a vampire, but harming the Cross girl will surely bring out a blood vengeance in him, if he is as serious about her as it appears."
"No… killing the girl would be counter-productive, as it would remove my nephew's one weakness. Removing our best pawn too early in the game would be wasteful. We must not harm her. If harm befalls her, it must be by Kaname's hand. The dear boy would never forgive himself…" Rido smiled cruelly. "But our ticket to making Kaname vulnerable still rests with his affection for her. Just in a more… roundabout way. To get to the king through the queen… we'll topple a knight."
Rido was obviously very pleased with the plan he'd devised and he was enjoying giving it a good build up. Ichijo was silently just a bit impatient with the somewhat cryptic manner of their conversation, but he did not let such show. Rido held his absolute obedience and deference. So he merely listened and waited for the plan to become clear. "My lord?"
"Well, admittedly, I elevate their titles too high, but the analogy holds true for pawns as well. To get to Kaname through his weakness, we must attack Yuki Cross through her weakness. And her weakness… is the boy whom she lets drink her blood, despite the human taboos they break in the process." Rido's eyes were bright with pleasure at the cleverness of his own plan. He was disturbingly well informed about what was going on behind closed doors at Cross Academy, and he intended to use all that hard-earned information to good effect now. "Zero Kiriyu. Ex-human vampire. He grew up with the Cross girl, they're very close. What's interesting, however… is that my nephew is so intent on protecting the boy, I assume for the girl's sake."
"He did defy the council to prevent his execution after the Shizuka incident," Ichijo agreed.
Rido laughed. Ichijo still believed that Kiriyu had actually killed the pureblood. Well, let him believe that. Rido had no proof but his own suspicion, but he was silently quite sure his nephew had killed the woman and drunk her blood. He did not disapprove. Actually, it was quite a gutsy move for the nephew he considered such a disappointment. The fact that Kaname's tiresome principles were still in place, however, showed in that he hadn't simply let Zero take the fall for him. It was not an entirely selfless move, however. Obviously, Kaname had some use for the ex-human for which he wanted him preserved.
"Yes, yes he did. But even more interesting, and much less known…" Rido paused, this was his piece de triumph and he was savoring the moment.
Ichijo managed not to look irritated.
"…Is that my dear nephew has let that ex-human drink his blood in order to stave off the boy's decent into Level E madness." Rido smirked, enjoying watching the shock register on his companion's face.
Ichijo was floored and did not bother to hide it. Rido had not been building up to that revelation for naught. It was a truly shocking thought. Kaname's blood was protected by law; anyone who took it without permission would die. It was that simple. It was the only thing that had kept Ichijo from sliding into his ward's bedroom when Kaname was young and more defenseless and taking what it was he so badly craved when there was no one around to stop him. Of course, Kaname could give his blood to whomever he wished, although it was understood that this was reserved only for persons of the highest honor, or whom he was seriously considering spending his life with. It was part of the responsibility, and restriction, of being a pureblood. Lower class vampires were much freer about such things amongst themselves, and there were plenty who drank each other's blood willy-nilly. Even in the noble class these days, societal norms and morals had relaxed significantly in that regard over the years, although the attachments it tended to form between the vampires involved was certainly a consideration. But purebloods were some of the few still expected to adhere to the older, more draconian social codes, and not entirely for no reason. Pure vampire blood was precious and powerful. It was also a matter of honor. Kaname could drink from whomever he pleased as long as they were below his station, and society would happily turn a blind eye, but to allow someone else to have his blood was a serious thing.
There was no containing the deep, dark rage that flashed through Ichijo like wildfire at the knowledge that Kaname had let some ex-human brat for whom he couldn't possibly have any feelings partake of that pure blood and the power that it possessed. Let him drink that incredible gift that Kaname had always denied him, even though Ichijo was the most powerful Aristocrat around. If there was anyone who had been worthy of Kaname making exception for, whom even society would have understood, as long as it was discrete, it had been him. Now this…
Rido had expected the reaction, and sadistically, he enjoyed watching it play out across his subordinate's features. Rage, of course, at the dispensing of what he'd craved for himself for so long, as well as deep disdain… it was obvious that Ichijo felt Kaname had in essence whored himself to the ex-human, a disgrace so deep there was no forgiving it. Many would feel that way if they knew and believed that it had actually happened. It truly had been a risky move on Kaname's part… he could lose a lot more than just respect and status if word got out. No one would believe it though. No one would think a Kuran would stoop to that, no matter how sickeningly 'noble' the goal. They'd laugh at the notion. Rido wasn't laughing, but neither was he disgusted. To him, this was simply a golden opportunity.
"I thought you might find that interesting," he remarked when Ichijo appeared speechless. "As degenerate as it is, however, I think that fact shall be very useful to us. Kaname has already proven that he is willing to go to lengths to preserve the boy, even if it is just for the girl's sake. The girl is a human, she can't drink Kaname's blood and for some reason, he hesitates to change her. But Kiriyu… if he were damaged badly enough… mortally wounded perhaps, but not quite dead, and if the girl should find him… it would distress her to no end, I'm sure. It would be interesting to see what Kaname would do then, and to what length he might be willing to go, when his blood is perhaps the only thing that can save his dear girl's best friend."
Understanding finally dawned in Ichijo's eyes, but he looked a bit skeptically at the other vampire. "My lord… do you really think he'd go to such drastic lengths?"
"I am unsure," Rido admitted. "But he has done the unspeakable once… the second time should be much easier, I would think. And even if not, we lose nothing. The boy's life is of no concern so long as the girl survives to continue being my nephew's weakness."
Ichijo nodded. The logic was sound and the plan was clever. He was, quite frankly, impressed. Getting Kaname to a weakened state was their only hope of taking him, and this just might work. A thought came to him though and he frowned slightly.
"Takuma might be useful to us on the inside…" he ventured, although even his own eyes betrayed doubt he hadn't meant to show. He didn't want Rido to think less of him and his family because of his grandson, who would play his part and honor his family. He would do his duty by the Ichijo name and forget his childish sense of loyalty and friendship to Kaname, or Asato would see that he was well and truly punished.
Rido shook his head. "No. I do not want to involve him yet. His loyalties are divided and I fear, Ichijo, that he might very well give away our plans." The words were cold. Rido did not take lightly the fact that they had a possible traitor in the fold.
"My lord, my grandson is young and sometimes foolish…" Ichijo hastened to intercede upon seeing that look. "Since Kaname was my ward, the two of them grew up in the same house together. He is merely confused, but he is an Ichijo, he will order his priorities accordingly, I promise you."
"I hope you are right," Rido said simply, his cold smile managing to be unreadable and menacing at the same time. "For the time being, however, I think it is best that he remain at the mansion or somewhere else, safely out of the way until he has had a chance to, as you say, order his priorities." He was aware that Ichijo had locked his grandson in his room before they left. Takuma's reaction to Rido's possession of Shiki, and their initial plotting against Kaname had not been outright treason, but had not engendered much trust either.
"Who will take care of Kiriyu?" Ichijo inquired, partly wanting to know, partly to change the subject.
Rido smiled. "Oh… I've already got someone in mind. Someone already at the school who will be only too happy to help."
Ichiru Kiriyu glanced at his watch. Time was passing away. Where was Zero? His twin brother should have come out already and made his way towards the boy's dormitory. But he was still in the school building. The Night Class had already left, returning to their dorm without the escort of either of the school Guardians, so the Cross girl was still in there as well. He also hadn't seen Kuran leave with the others. What were the three of them up to? If they loitered much longer he would lose his chance this morning, and the plan would have to be put off to another day.
He'd not been at the school very long yet, only since the start of the term, but he'd already made himself meticulously familiar with the grounds, schedules and routines of almost everyone, or the important ones at least. Seemed he would soon get a chance for all that to pay off.
Morning was already starting to tentatively streak the sky. Finally he saw Zero leave the school building, looking as if the world had crashed down on his shoulders. Ichiru started forward… then stopped as Yuki and Kaname followed Zero out a few moments later. There was a strange air hovering around all of them. Yuki seemed somewhere between pleased and conflicted and Kaname was unreadable as usual.
Yuki fled away to the girl's dorm without looking back, looking as if her mind and heart were too full to make sense of. Kaname stood, his gaze following her away for several long moments, then he started towards the Moon dorm, but Zero stopped him, calling his name sharply. Ichiru watched from his concealed spot, curious now, what was going on. Kaname looked distracted. Zero looked furious.
Suddenly, to Ichiru's intense surprise, the ex-human rounded and swung at Kaname, slugging the pureblood squarely on the jaw and sending him stumbling back a pace. What on earth? Had his twin already gone batty?
"How dare you?" Zero shouted at Kaname, simmering with rage now that Yuki was safely away and out of earshot. "How friggin' dare you? You've no right to force her into a relationship with you. I thought even you had more honor than that! You… you freak!"
Kaname registered a moment of surprise at the blow, but not very much. He recovered quickly, but did not retaliate; his fingers sliding up to lightly touch his lip. It was bleeding. He looked at Zero icily, but calmly. "I forced Yuki to do nothing. Do you honestly think she would have agreed if it wasn't what she wanted? You really think she's some kind of tramp to do such a thing?" His eyes flashed with anger. The way Kaname saw it, he'd been the one trapped, backed into a corner he'd tried to avoid. He couldn't fault her for it, but Yuki had forced his hand by confronting him like she had and in front of Kiriyu too. He'd tried to distract her the first time, even confessed his love to her. But she'd been insistent this time, even knowing how he felt. What else was he supposed to do?
Zero was too furious to speak. He launched himself at Kaname again, but the blow didn't fall this time. Kaname caught his wrist tightly, catching his arm and swinging the ex-human around, pulling him in close so they were face to face. "You give her far too little credit, Kiriyu. Yuki is not a child; she can make her own choices."
Zero continued to struggle, trying to wrench away from Kuran. "Then why didn't you let her make her own choice instead of giving her no alternative if she wants to know about her past? Or do you always have to blackmail the people you love." The ex-human used the word contemptuously. He seriously felt that Kuran didn't know the meaning of it.
That blow hit Kaname harder than the physical one had. Had… had it really sounded like that? Did Yuki think that she was paying him with her affections? That wasn't what he wanted. He simply… he needed her to love him, needed to be sure of her love… before he could tell her what she wanted to know. Selfish maybe, but he could not live if he revealed the truth and it made her hate him. If she was already his lover… she would know, without a shadow of a doubt, that no matter what he revealed his heart was hers and only hers, she would know that she was all he wanted in this world. But the whole situation had been so awkward and difficult… Yuki had forced a confrontation he had been trying hard to avoid and he'd hardly known what to say. That was a very unusual situation for him. He was used to giving orders, to being obeyed. Had his words come out sounding like a command? A threat?
Kaname was so put off for a moment that he didn't notice Zero had pulled away until he found himself reeling backward again, slamming up against the wall of the building behind him, head and jaw ringing from Zero's second punch. Damn… the boy was very strong, thanks in no small part to the power he'd gained from having drunk Kaname's blood. That. Really. Hurt. The pureblood's fists bunched at his sides.
It took a great deal of control to not strike back. It would gain him nothing to hurt Zero, and in honesty, Kaname could not blame the other vampire for his anger or his heartbreak. Would he have taken it any easier if he'd just watched Yuki agree to be Zero's lover? Probably not. Although he felt he would certainly have controlled his temper better.
With a growl, Kaname pushed off the wall and caught both Zero's wrists before he could continue his assault, squeezing them hard enough to almost snap the bones, but stopping short of actually doing damage. He shook Zero firmly once. "Stop it. You think this resolves anything? I would never force Yuki to do anything she didn't want to, ever!" he growled angrily, his eyes dark and stormy… but also shadowed with doubt.
"Right, but you'll quite happily strip away her humanity and turn her into a nice little ex-human slave that you can have all to yourself. That you can play with until you're bored with her. That's what you high and mighty purebloods see us as, isn't it? Your servants? Your slaves? How can you even pretend that you love her?" Zero seethed. He was absolutely livid and cared nothing for the sharp pain Kaname's crushing grip was causing. "You could never do that to her if you loved her!"
Kaname practically trembled with rage. For a moment it looked like he really might snap Kiriyu's wrists, but instead he just gave a shove, flinging the boy away from him. "Do not speak to me about what's in my heart! You know nothing about it," he growled. "I tell you, I would never hurt her or force her. Becoming my lover does not mean I will bite her, not if she doesn't want me to. I would never, EVER change her unless it was what her heart truly desires. And if I did, I would be making her a queen, do you understand that? How dare you insinuate that I would keep her like some kind of… of concubine! I want her to live beside me forever. She would be respected and loved by everyone because I would make sure they did so, unless they want to reckon with me," he seethed. That would be a tall order, and he knew it, but Kaname meant what he said.
Did Zero have no idea, the sacrifice he was making in taking Yuki as a lover without expecting her to let him bite her? Without that perfect intimacy? Without being assured that she would ever want him to… having to live with the fear that she would want to live out her short days as a mortal, and die before they had hardly breathed a handful of breaths together? Did Zero have no idea what that would do to him? Kaname felt that when he mated, it would be for life. He would never desire any woman but Yuki. If she did not choose to be his completely, to become one of his kind… it would be the end of him when she died. Perhaps literally. It was usually when they lost a mate, that pureblood vampires committed suicide, unable to deal with the prospect of an eternity without their beloved.
Zero seemed unappeased, but perhaps he read the dark turmoil of emotion in Kaname's eyes… or at least had enough sense to read the danger there, because he did not attack again. It would do no good. He couldn't stop Yuki, couldn't protect her from this disastrous folly. It wasn't just about her choosing someone else… he could have dealt with that, so long as she was happy, but he felt Yuki trusted Kuran far too much for her own good and he truly feared for her. Right now his heart was broken and he had so many feelings flooding through him he didn't know what to do with himself, but he couldn't let the arrogant pureblood bastard see him break. Zero turned and disappeared swiftly.
About the same time, Ichiru faded back behind the building and also disappeared. He wondered at the explosion he'd just witnessed. Obviously it had something to do with that whimpering little Cross girl. He had no clue what those two saw in such a child. He wondered if this conflict between Kaname and Zero were going to affect the plan, though… but he decided things would carry on anyway. After all, it was no skin off his nose if it didn't work. He didn't care a whit what happened to Kuran. His brother, however… that was a different matter. The chance was lost for now, though. Zero was already gone and Ichiru couldn't afford to make a move with Kaname so near anyway; the vampire had possibly already scented him, although he'd obviously been…pre occupied with other matters. He would have to wait, bide his time for later. Perhaps tonight…
