Chapter 8

Kaname woke up feeling more rested than he felt in a long, long time. No, rested wasn't the right word. Content might be more accurate. It was quite a contradiction considering what happened the night before. He should feel stressed, unsettled by those beastly creatures he had faced, by the ferocity he witnessed, yet this wasn't the case.

Kaname felt alive yet peaceful. If that made any sense. As if he found a new purpose, new reason for him to get up in the morning. A new calling he didn't even dared to hope for from the moment he woke up.

There was still something he had to do. A reason more tangible than just his hopeful wishing that Yuki was still alive. Don't get him wrong, he still loved her more than anything and was willing to do the impossible to find her, but deep down, there was this tiny doubtful thought, that it might be just his wish and nothing more. A little treacherous thought that Yuki might be already long gone. Even if she wasn't and somehow she did really survive, she had probably long moved on or was irrevocably changed by this .

After all, why didn't she try to find him? If she was still alive, if she still cared, then why it wasn't her face Kaname saw first when he woke up?

The pureblood frowned. He stopped his thoughts right there, not daring to go further. Maybe she just thought him dead. Surely there was some explanation for that. And even if there wasn't any… Kaname glanced at the sleeping form next to him. There were still people that cared enough to stay by his side. He wasn't sure why, or how it came to be like this. Certainly before all this happened if someone told him that Zero would risk his life, his future even, for his well being, he would have laughed at them before recommending them a short visit to the nearest mental institution.

Yet the truth was, Zero was the one staying by his side now. The ex-human had taken care of him ever since Kaname woke up. He helped the pureblood get his footing in this crazy world, acting like his guide, protector and… his anchor. Cause that's what he was.

An anchor.

Facing the danger together, Kaname realized there was one more person he didn't want to lose now, that he would do everything in his power to protect. As clichéd as it might sound, Zero had just given him a reason to live and helped him find a new strength to face the world.

Was he betraying Yuki's memory by thinking like this? It was a painful thought, but it didn't necessarily had to be like that. By finding a new strength to face the world he was also gaining a strength to find a Yuki, right?

The question was, why was Zero doing this? Why did the ex-human even care about him? Was he just doing all this just for Yuki's sake or memory? Was he just feeling guilty? Or… did he actually care?

Did Kaname want him to care?

The ex-human was still deeply asleep. He looked relaxed, even the frown lines in between his eyes disappeared. Zero always looked like he was carrying some big burden, he didn't dare anyone else to share with, but not now. Now, his face was carefree. The way it looked when he was in high school, in those rare unguarded moments when he thought no one was looking. But Kaname noticed and back then, it made him feel a little more sympathetic than he usually would towards any other ex-human. That was also one of the reasons why he let Zero stay by Yuki's side.

Speaking about Yuki… Kaname shook his head. His thoughts were starting to run in circles and who could blame him? A lot had happened in the past few weeks. He woke up in a completely new world. Literally. And he still had some troubles accepting all the changes around him.

Ugh...Enough.

The pureblood rubbed his face, as if he could somehow physically get rid of his own thoughts and stop them from going into the directions he didn't wish them to. He glanced at Zero's sleeping form, glad that the other couldn't read his mind. Maybe it was just adrenalin from yesterday talking. With all that had happened at the academy his body must have produced a yearly dose of it.

Kaname sighed, deciding it might be more productive to stop over-thinking everything and finally get up.

He moved carefully from under the covers, trying not to wake the other occupant of the bed, deciding to look around.

Strange. He was spending almost every night here the past few weeks and was pretty familiar with this room, but never actually looked around.

It was a very simple room, resembling more a storage room rather than a place where one would willingly chose for sleep. The opposite wall was fully covered in shelves. There was a lot of scrap metal and various parts of old electronics. All the stuff one would normally throw away in the past, yet nowadays they were becoming quite valuable. It was not like one could go out and just buy whatever they needed like in the past.

A small emergency light above the steel door was the only light source now, illuminating the room dimly. Kaname could switch on the main lights, but he didn't want to wake Zero and there wasn't really any reason for doing that. His vampire sight allowed him to see just perfectly. The pureblood stood up to look through the shelves' content more closely.

Some medical equipment, probably pieces that didn't fit into the main lab. Weapons, of course, even something that looked like bear traps, and small curious looking devices. Strange symbols were carved on them, a vampire hunters' equipment.

There was one whole shelf reserved for clothes. Most of them were of dark colors and had a distinctive military look. At first Kaname wondered if it was Zero's preference, but now he knew better. It was more a matter of preservation. The clothes had to be practical, not aesthetic. The darkish colors helped to blend in. Those who stood up were making it way too easy for predators to spot them. And not just for those who run on four legs armed with sharp teeth and claws.

Next to it the mattress stood a metal cabinet that was apparently supposed to serve as some kind of nightstand. It didn't seem to have any special use.

Kaname never really cared what was inside it, but now he was curious. The pureblood shifted a little and reached for its door. The first thing he noticed made him raise his eyebrows. Of course Zero would have a gun with a box of bullets in a cabinet right next to his bed. A wave of nostalgia cursed through the pureblood's veins and before he realized what he was doing, he reached for the weapon. Wishing to touch it, as if to confirm it was real. The pureblood traced the familiar symbols with the tip of his fingers, ignoring the slightly painful stinging upon contact.

Bloody Rose.

There were times when Zero didn't step outside without it. Back in the old world. Yet now, Kaname noticed he didn't carry it anymore. Maybe it was just because there was no use for it. After all they were in far human territories and the only vampires Kaname met since he woke up were all in this shelter. Kaname wondered if the Bloody Rose could have been useful against those banshees, but then again, they didn't plan on meeting any on that day… or any day, probably.

Other than the Bloody Rose, there were just few dusty books, salvaged from some old ruin. Kaname didn't know the authors, but it seemed like "modern" mystery novels, meaning they must have been quite a big hit thirty years ago or so. The pureblood was more of a classic reader himself. He shortly wondered how many of really old classic literature pieces survived till today and how many people that actually read them were still alive out there.

Suddenly, Kaname noticed something else tucked behind the stack of books. This time there was no hesitation before he quickly reached for it, already half suspecting what it was. As his hand felt the familiar shape, his suspicions were confirmed. It was an old cowboy hat.

Kaname knew who it belonged to, because he had seen that hat a plenty of times before. But if it was here then that meant…

"What is it doing here? Doesn't it belong to…?" New questions arose and words escaped the pureblood's lips before he could stop them.

"Master Yagari?" The soft spoken confirmation came from behind him. Kaname tensed and quickly turned around, his eyes meeting Zero's. The pureblood's motions must have woken him.

The room was suddenly filled with tension and the pureblood had a distinct feeling that he just opened the proverbial can of worms. A swarm of unanswered questions floated through the pureblood's head, but he was reluctant to voice them.

It seemed that both of them weren't sure what to say and few long heartbeats of silence followed before Zero finally broke the eye contact and looked away. "What time is it?"

"Around eight." Kaname glanced at the watch laying on the night stand.

"Still way too early to be getting up." Zero groaned in protest. He wouldn't mind a few more hours of sleep. Which he was also going to get. After all, he deserved that after what they went through yesterday. After a few heartbeats he peaked at the pureblood with one eye open. "What are you even doing up already?"

"I just didn't feel like sleeping anymore." Kaname shrugged, reluctantly accepting Zero's demand to change the subject. He returned the cowboy hat to its place, closing the cabinet's small door as well as closing the door on the entire subject.

Perhaps other time.

"Well I do," Zero yawned and stretched, "so go play somewhere else Kuran, if you don't want to sleep anymore." There was no real mean intent in the hunter's voice. "Shush." Zero lazily waved his hand in shooing motion, before he turned around burying himself in the covers again.

Kaname shook his head at ex-human's antics, fighting an amused smile. Maybe he can go try to find some coffee. He rose and headed for the door. "Don't let me keep you from your beauty sleep."

The pureblood made his way through the laboratory towards the room that served as a kitchen. The steel door made a load screeching sound but Aido seemed not to notice , judging by the unmoving mop of blond hair peaking out from under the covers. The young vampire must have been pretty exhausted. The fact that Aido was a known heavy sleeper even back in the high school days probably helped, too.

Kaname was very happy to discover that little fact, they actually had a coffee in this place. Well, at least he thought it was coffee. It was of slightly different color and smell, but still pretty specific to be mistaken for something else. The pureblood decided to give it a try, smiling when he noticed that apparently, he will have to use a chemical apparatus to boil the water. He grabbed the empty flask, smelling it, just in case.

Kaname mentally thanked that whoever build this shelter, had enough sense to make sure it was connected to the underground water supply. Even though it had to be heavily filtered, thus having a noticeable chemical aftertaste. Still, a cup of steaming coffee seemed like blessing.

Kaname steeled himself to taste it, but after first few careful sips, he found it acceptable enough. Relaxing, his mind wandered again to his earlier discovery: Yagari's hat. It certainly confirmed few things he was pondering. At least ever since that meeting with Kaito yesterday. Kaname's mind went over that whole scene again.

The armored vehicle stopped in front of the command center in the middle of the yard. Soldiers jumped off, glad for being back home and safe and far away from those creatures. Some went straight to the building, others headed towards a small knot of worriedly looking women standing nearby to be greeted with relieved hugs and kisses. Their duty was done for the day.

"Kaname, can you go to our car and check if we still have all our stuff? I'll meet you there." Zero suggested... hoped, but to no avail.

"Can't do, Kiriyu," the commander stopped his attempt with a shrug. "Got orders to bring both of you."

Zero threw a troubled look in Kaname's direction. He wasn't sure if Kaito recognized Kaname or was just curious about who the newcomer was. Either way was bad enough, because once he lays his eyes on him, he will recognize the pureblood right away.

The commander crushed his cigarette under his heal and gestured towards a pair of men guarding the entrance. "Leave your weapons here."

He smirked noticing their sudden tenseness and hesitation. "Relax boys, it's a standard procedure. No one is going to steal your stuff. These lads wouldn't dare to steal from honored governor's guests, right?" He patted one of the guards on the shoulder with a little more strength than was necessary, making sure they won't get any ideas.

"Now follow me."

The two vampires exchanged tensed looks. Seems like they had to accept their fate and follow. Zero was still limping, his ankle needed more time to heal, while the pureblood seemed to be completely healed. Fortunately, the dried up blood on their skin and a little adjustment of the clothes took care of the fact that all the cuts and scratches were already closed off if not healed completely underneath.

Kaname frowned. He didn't like this. Anyone with the ability to send armed group of men to pick him up was regarded as a considerable threat in his mind.

The three of them entered and went straight up the stairs. The building was mostly empty at this late hour. Except for guards, there were only few other brave souls rushing by with hands full of important looking files. Finally, they reached a big wooden door.

The commander knocked on the door, announcing: "Sir, the guests are here."

There was a muffled sound of acknowledgment and the old soldier nodded and turned back towards the two vampires. "Right, go on in." He winked at them before nodding in goodbye.

It was time to face the music. Reluctantly they stepped into the office.

The room had just enough furniture to be functional without being called decorative. Large mahogany desk dominated the area with a hunter symbol displayed on the wall behind. Familiar figure of a man sitting behind it looked up the moment they entered. It was Kaito Takamiya. Hair much shorter now, with a traces of silver. No longer the tall slim youth, freshly out of his vampire hunter training, and full of restless energy and recklessness. Now, he gave off vibes of maturity and composure, both physical and mental.

"Well, well, well, look who the cat dragged in." Kaito looked up the moment they entered, his expression hidden behind a neutral mask.

Small movement on Kaito's right drew vampires' attention. A bodyguard who nodded to them in greeting. A distinctive, buzzing energy of charms coming from him revealed that he was a vampire hunter, too.

"Leave us," came the silent request from the governor.

The man hesitated just for a second, before saluting and turning away. He send a guarded look towards the newcomers, warning them not to cause any trouble in his absence, else it would bring unpleasant consequences.

Kaito waited for the door to shut, before he gestured towards chairs in front of his desk. Kiriyu, Kuran, welcome. Please sit." No point in pretending to not recognize the pureblood.

"Anything to drink?" Not waiting for their answer, Takamiya pointed towards a small table in the corned with a variety of hard liquor on offer.

Disregarding both vampires shaking their head in refusal, Kaito stood up and took a few moments to fix himself a glass of whiskey. His movements were kept steady and relaxed, not acknowledging the tension in the air. Finally, Kaito finally sat down again and his eyes lingered on the pureblood thoughtfully, before he turned to the ex-human.

"So, Zero," Kaito leaned back in his chair, piercing him with his gaze. "I hope you were planning to tell me the exciting news concerning our friend here and you just didn't happen to find the right moment."

"Well, my friend," Kaname decided to respond first, mocking used familiarity, "looks like you're not very surprised to see us here, or me for that matter."

"You think I wouldn't notice when a pureblood enters my settlement?" He frowned. Not appreciating to be taken for someone incompetent. Kaito sighed dramatically. "I am a little hurt. After all I went through to help you guys out and after all this time protecting the secret, that you're still alive."

That took Kaname by surprise. He suspected that Takamiya might know about his existence, but actually taking some kind of part in his rescue? He didn't like that fact at all. Why didn't Zero mention this? He looked at his companion, but Zero just had his gaze fixed on Kaito, his expression a hard steel mask.

"Where exactly is this conversation headed, governor." The ex-human inquired. "Why did you have us brought here?" He didn't appreciate to have such conversation in front of Kaname and his mood showed it. This should have been only between them. After all, it was Zero's past and it should only come back to bite his own ass, not Kaname's.

"Now, now, no need to be so cross. Didn't I just save your lives?" Kaito raised hands in mock defense. "Plus, one would think you could trust me by now, after all this time we know each other."

"Who are you kidding, you didn't even believe Kuran would survive. But now that he did, you think it's about time to collect some dues. Am I not right?" Zero concluded darkly.

"Maybe," Takamiya smirked. "There was a time when my naive youthful self turned a blind eye on actions of a certain freshly-branded traitor of our order. I even helped him, despite my better judgment. Perhaps it was my instinct telling me that decision might come handy one day. After all, I know better than to just act purely out of kindness of my heart, to not do the same mistakes master Yagari did... and paid for it dearly."

Kaname felt the dark spark of rage coming from ex-human on his side. Zero's expression was fierce and his hands gripped armchair so tight his knuckles were turning white. He decided to step in rather quickly.

"Takamiya, I am not completely aware of the circumstances or what Zero thinks he owes you, but I would like to remind you that I am my own person and not very keen on letting others telling me what to do, or using me for their own goals." Kaname let his eyes flash red in warning. He wasn't about to be manipulated. Especially not by a vampire hunter.

"Of course, Kuran," Kaito raised hands in placating manner and leaned back in his chair. "I wouldn't want to force you into anything. I was hoping we can find some common ground here. Help each other out. That's what friends do, isn't it?"

There statement was followed by silence. All participants measuring each other. Suddenly, the small radio transmitter on the table came to life, emitting rasping noises and begging for attention.

Kaito continued smiling, not losing composure for a second. "Well, no need to be hostile, Kaname Kuran. Perhaps I just brought you here, to welcome you into my settlement. I always like to know what's happening in my territories. And perhaps, we might talk more another time." He said finally, before turning his back on them and answering the transmitter. A sign of dismissal like one would do to his subordinates.

Zero stood up and for a moment looked like he was considering walking up to Kaito and tearing the device from his hand and demand to continue this conversation. Deciding against it, he turned and walked away, opening the door with such a strength, it made the wood complain under the pressure.

Kaname was much more collected. He wasn't about to get offended by being dismissed in this way. He found it rather amusing. Almost nostalgic. He recognized this old game. Those in power would always be looking for upper ground and this whole meeting was just to show who is in power here. But the pureblood was skilled player himself and Kaito would be stupid to underestimate him. Though, any trivial threat is still a threat and he wasn't about to dismiss it lightly either.

For the time being, he felt more concerned with the ex-human's reaction. He cast a worried look in his direction as he followed Zero out and towards their vehicle. They left the settlement in silence and only after they were a few miles behind the gates, did the pureblood decide that it might be time to talk.

"Zero, I might need some answers here." He started lightly.

The ex-human sighted defeatedly. He knew it was coming. Knew that Kaito might one day expect to return the favor for his help and his own decisions will come back and bite him in the ass. But back then, desperate times called for desperate measures.

He wasn't sure where to start explaining and decided for rather general approach. "Kaname, in order to save you, a lot of favors were called and a lot of... sacrifices were made. Kaito helped me when I needed it most and I always knew I might need to return the favor. It is just the way this conversation played out today. He changed so much," Zero grimaced. "He was always an ass, but lately he gained a whole new dimension."

He continued before Kaname could press for more answers. "I'll tell you the whole story. I promise I will. I only ask to let me do it at the right time. Please, trust me on this."

Kaname regarded Zero thoughtfully. Finally, he nodded. He wanted answers, but he can wait. For now.

A/N: Really sorry for the long wait...