A/N: A small part of the plot (New Orleans) was borrowed from the American TV show called The Originals.

Warning(s): Might contain violence, curse/bad language and sexual content. Also Zero is a girl!

Rated: M.

Disclaimer: Vampire Knight © Matsuri Hino. I don't own the Vampire Knight. Matsuri Hino does. However I do own my OC and story.

Prologue

"Once upon a time, there was a majestic king, who was blessed with a beautiful baby daughter for whom he wished only peace. Still, the king had demons who pursued him. There was a ruthless beast who wanted to take the kingdom for her own. Armed with a pack of untamed creatures, she drove the other magical beings from the land. And there was a wicked sorceress with exchanged stones that weakened the king on every full moon. Seeing the shadows his enemies cast upon his home, the king was driven to send his beloved princess away, convincing all who remains that she was forever lost."

"…that child you carry is the only thing on this earth that matters to me."

He remembered when he had told her that. Who would have thought that things would change so quickly…? Maybe we should start from the beginning…

He was Ryozo Hayashi one of the most fearsome vampire that have ever lived. Worse than the Shirabukis or the Kurans, he and his family were not from a pureblood line but they were powerful in their own way…

His family…

He'd thought he had lost them long ago by his selfishness, his older brother Kai and his younger sister Mihoko. Unfortunately for them their parents were evil and had wanted to kill them after they had turned into vampires. Through decades he and his siblings had been falling apart, it started when he teared his mother heart out, although they hated that their own mother despite them it did not meant they were happy to have her dead and huge arguments about leaving each other. And then of course his so - called father who wished to kill them and almost did few years ago, to his luck he managed to kill him and found peace. It was then they decided to go back to his town in America – New Orleans It was a city he and his siblings had built and when he heard that someone was trying to control it, he left Japan immediately and went along with his siblings to reclaim the city. To his surprised his opponent was a old friend that he'd met when he was a human, both of them fighting for the title of the king of New Orleans. Suddenly out of nowhere a silver haired woman had appeared named Lydia Devons. She was a young witch, which he had slept with as one night stand. She had told him that she was pregnant with his child which was impossible since witches and vampires cannot procreate a child and he ordered his brother to kill her and the baby but his brother being his usual noble man refused and believed that the child was hope for them.

Ryozo didn't believe him but months had passed and he found himself getting used with the idea of having child. His fight with his opponent was still going on and there was a powerful witch who wanted to rule on her own and kill his dear child. In the battle they had created his enemies had died after forcing Lydia to give birth and sacrifice his child with the help of a Pureblood vampire. Thanks God his brother saved his daughter while not wanting to lose the mother of his child he turned Lydia into a vampire after been in the virgule of dying. Despite having his three enemies killed, he still had more people who wanted to harm his daughter.

He still couldn't believe the miracle that he had been blessed with; she was his child, his own flesh and blood. His blood was running through her veins. She looked so happy, unaware of the predators surrounding her. She cooed and the most harmonious and melodious sound he had ever heard imprinted on his mind and he felt warm, pleasant and exhilarating; it felt happiness. In that moment he wanted to hide her in his arm and take her somewhere safe; give her the perfect childhood which he was deprived of. Seeing his daughter reminded of his past. His parents, Kai, Mihoko; people with whom he shared life in the beginning.

Fear is the most primal of human emotions but only his father was able to induce it in him but now as he looked at his daughter he was afraid; Ryoso Hayashi, afraid of the unknown, terrified of the future that awaited his child.

The presence of his daughter had changed his perspective of life but on looking ahead, all he saw was darkness. The doubts and fears were hunting him and making him question his tactics and motives. Could he provide the safety she deserved? She had inherited all their enemies but none their defenses.

Before he could continue his thoughts his phone rang; it was Mihoko confirming their meeting place. She was one of the three people who he could trust with his child's life. His sister despite the adversities she had to face because of him still loved him and for that, he would be forever grateful. Ryoso could feel tears in his eyes, every fiber of his body wanted him to take his daughter and run away but he had to do this, for Kai and Lydia.

The moment he had laid eyes on his daughter, he had promise himself that she would not feel anything but love, comfort and safety in his presence. She was his light and his family's hope of happiness. She was going to return to him after he had gotten rid of everyone who ever dared to even touch a single hair of her.

Getting out of his car he saw his blond haired sister waiting for him.

"Hello sister."

Getting close to her brother she softly smiled at him as she watched her little niece in her brother's arms. "She looks like her mother, maybe there is a God after all." She said noticing the silver haired color on the child's head.

"Well, she has a hint of the devil in her eyes, that's all me." He said with an amuse smile and pointing at his daughter lilac eyes.

"You'll need a witch you can trust to cast a cloaking spell." Mihoko reminded him.

"I'll get one; no one can ever found her." There was a small desperation in his voice.

"I know what to do, Ryo."

"Perhaps we'll get a white fence."

"I think that would be lovely."

Stroking his daughter soft cheek Ryozo said "This city would have seen you dead, but I will have it your home, and every soul who wishes you harm will be struck down.
Just as sure as my blood runs in your veins, you will return to me."

"Every night before I put her to bed I'll tell her how loved she is- by me, by Kai. But most of all I'll tell her how much her parents love her. How she's her mother's girl and her father's world. I'll tell her all about New Orleans and how one day it will be her home and we'll all live together, happily ever after." The young vampire assured her brother.

Cooing his daughter he admitted. "In spite of our differences, Mihoko, there is no one I would trust more with my daughter's life. Be happy… Sister."

"She will be happy, Ryo, I promise. What's her name?"

"Hope." He said with a tearful smile." Her name is Hope."

Mihoko steadily pushed down the break pad and then lifted the handbrake as carefully as she could, all while gazing at the sleeping little baby beside her; who was lying bundled in her blanket. Her aunt's lilac eyes, so deep and so afraid, that any movement might disturb the peace. Mihoko sighed silently, and shifted in her seat and although was startled by the sound soon recovered.

Hope had burst into a wrenching cry after a forty five minute of drive. Mihoko was certain that she was missing her parents, her mother especially and she like Hope, felt torn, knowing she could not do anything about it. She had watched so painfully from the passenger's seat as the strong little fists of her beloved niece had balled up, fighting, punching in protest, wanted to be taken by her parents.

Mihoko cooed her gently, trying to calm her down though nothing worked. "I know" She whispered soothingly her tone defeated. "I miss them too." She spoke staring out of the dashboard on an empty highway, while rubbing Hope's belly tenderly.

The sky had and still was full of stars, and they twinkled bright. It seemed ironic taking into consideration the darkness that had been unleashed that day. Though this was too the birth date of a Princess and there was no doubt that every star out there, no matter how big or small, as indeed smiling, shinning… only for her.

"Look Hope." Mihoko pointed out of the ducking head to let Hope's eyes wander to where she was pointing.

"Look how they shine for you."

She recalled Ryoso saying the exact same words to her when they were children. Mihoko smiled, almost chucked even at the memory, though in a sad happiness.

Mihoko watched in awe as her brother's daughter slowly grew silent. The proud aunt's face beamed with a smile as the baby yawned cutely and then began to rest her tough little lungs in peaceful nap.

The car became still. The world incredible quite.

Eventually Mikoho turned to Hope, she slowly scooped her into her arms and held her protectively close Luckily the baby only squirmed a little but didn't wake. The beautiful woman smiled sweetly, glad that her niece was getting used to her.

"Come on." She whispered quietly. "Let's go home."

And so after speaking those words she reached the porch steps and fumbled in her pocket for an envelope, balancing Hope safety in the crook of her arm.

Walking inside she surveyed the interior looking for a light switch which she then reached for and switched on. Mikoho took a turn to admire a homely kitchen and then walked further into a smaller room. Although it was still quite empty and certainly not the warm welcoming royal niece deserved a grand cream cot sat in the centre, on top of it hanging a jewel drooped beautiful starry mobile, the structure was further attached to a delicate canopy drape which was tied by soft ribbon at the sides.

Mikoho walked over to the cot and placed Hope inside. She twisted into a different position as if to adjust and still slept surprisingly soundly. Her aunt couldn't help but smile as she watched in awe, her fingers hovering over the cot bars and then reaching the mobile. She held the little jewels gracefully and the spun the charm ever so accurately so that they began to spin at a steady rate, chiming tranquilly. Her fingers then reached over to the ribbon which she felt between forefinger and thumb before pulling open so the drape showed over the priceless life inside.

"Sweet Dreams Hope." She whispered before stepping out of the room.

A/N: The beginning "...Once upon a time.." was borrowed from an American television show "The Originals"

Hope you like it. Read! Review! Enjoy!

XLonelyDreamerx