My Eternity

A Vampire Knight Fan Fiction

Disclaimer: Obviously not mine. Those who have read my other VK story already know what I'd have done if it did belong to me XD So here I'm just playing around with our dear boys and my twisted imagination, and am so damn enjoying it!

Pairings: Kaname/Zero (eventually), Ichiru/Zero (yes, people, exactly in that order because I prefer it that way) and possibly some tiny bits of Kaname/Yuuki (very slight and rare though, as you know I hate it)

Warnings: AU. Yaoi, means boys love means male x male; some OOC-ness, but I'll still try to reduce it to minimum; a bit (or not a bit) of twincest, mature situations, gore at some points, lots of angst, dark themes and etc. The story is rated M for a reason. Don't like – don't read. Also I'm really sorry for all grammar and other mistakes; I'll try my hardest to reduce them to minimum, but English is obviously not my native language.

A/N: Just hope you'll enjoy it. Had this story in mind for some time (as well as this chapter in particular, ready and waiting on my laptop), but hesitated to post it. But now I don't, so... Please read and review! :D

Chapter 1: Soundless Bells

A quiet creak sounded as a door to the dark room was pushed slightly ajar, allowing a small figure to half-step in. Amethyst orbs of Kiryuu Zero peered into the darkness, immediately landing on a lump on the bed not too far. Closing the door quietly, he moved forward, but faltered after a few steps, uncertainty suddenly creeping into his being.

He didn't even know why he was here. His legs brought him in this room on their own accord. But he doubted he should stay – he couldn't stay, not after what he had unintentionally heard a few minutes ago. Because his brother would know. Ichiru would see, he would feel that something was wrong with him and it wouldn't take him long to pinpoint the reason behind it. He was always good at that, he always read him like an open book, so that most of the time Zero didn't even need to say anything if he didn't want to. Because Ichiru was too good at seeing right through him – unlike his older brother, who couldn't even put on a decent show of pretense for the sake of his own twin.

Of course he would understand this time around too, and it would only upset him yet again, which was definitely the last thing Zero ever wanted to do to his other half. He knew what would happen perfectly well, on subconscious level, yet he had come. It had been stupid of him to do so, but he hadn't really thought about anything, as he had been too shaken then. He still was, but not as badly.

Nevertheless, the need to see and feel his twin nearby for his own peace of mind never ceased. After all, how could he just go to sleep like nothing happened, having heard all those things…?

Carefully, and as soundlessly as he could, the boy closed the distance between him and the bed and heaved a quiet sigh of relief. A faint smile tugged at Zero's lips as his gaze fell on his brother's sleeping face. He slowly sat down on the edge of the mattress, his hand going to caress his twin's identically silver hair tenderly, so as not to wake the other up. Unconsciously, Ichiru leaned into the touch, making Zero's smile widen a little.

He went on with his actions for another couple of minutes and was already going to get up and head to his own room when his wrist was suddenly grabbed and pulled at quite persistently, catching Zero by surprise and making him let out a small startled yelp as he stumbled forward and fell down onto the mattress. The next second a familiar pair of arms wrapped around his form, their grip surprisingly strong for their owner's weak body and fragile health, but not restricting or uncomfortable in the slightest. So the boy didn't resist and had no trouble relaxing into the embrace. He only sighed silently, looking at his twin somewhat reproachfully. Still, no sound of protest came from him.

Only half-opening his eyes to regard the other with a smug smirk playing on his lips, Ichiru snuggled in closer to Zero – the older twin automatically reaching out to also enfold his replica in his arms. The younger boy sighed contentedly, closing his eyes.

"I thought you were sleeping..." Zero whispered, frowning slightly in worry, "Did I wake you up?"

Ichiru hummed in lazy content as his brother's fingers brushed a few silver strands from his forehead and the side of his face, his hand taking a hold of Zero's slowly retreating one to place it on his cheek and lean into the comforting warmth. His voice sounded a little hoarse as he replied to his twin's inquiry, "I was waiting for you. Couldn't sleep without Zero around."

The older Kiryuu's frown deepened in obvious concern. Gently, he removed his hand from under Ichiru's and put it on the other's forehead, feeling for the fever. Ichiru opened his eyes at that, a faint, rueful smile tugging at his lips as he caught a sight of his brother's troubled, anguished expression.

The older boy moved to sit up, but his twin seized his arm again, stopping him in mid-motion. Zero looked at Ichiru, an unspoken question in his lavender orbs, and the latter responded.

"It'll get better now. Because Zero is here with me."

"But-"

"Don't worry about me," Ichiru gave another pull to get Zero back into his previous position next to him, and his brother complied, like he always did, "It'll pass. Just stay here with me."

"…" As if he could not worry about him. Ichiru was his everything, his other, better half…

Nevertheless, he granted the other's wish and lay down wordlessly. Still, it was obvious from his expression that Zero was far from having his concerns dismissed, and Ichiru could see it more than clearly. He hated this look on his twin's face. So, giving a soft sigh, he pushed himself up and turned towards the bedside table, then reached for a glass of water and pills that were there. After taking the medicine, he took his place near Zero, once again grasping his twin's hand and nestling closer to him.

"Happy now?" The younger boy asked, his tone light and even a bit teasing.

Another slight frown that looked suspiciously like a pout appeared on Zero's face for a fraction of a second as he nodded silently, evidently pleased with his brother's actions, "Wasn't that hard, now was it?"

"Just hate that stupid thing. Makes me feel too drowsy."

"But it does help, right?"

It was the younger Kiryuu's turn to nod, however reluctantly, "Still hate it though."

"Ichiru…" he tried to make his voice sound scolding, but failed, unable to drive affection out of it. His twin only let out a short laugh in response, tightening his hold on him, "I know, I know..."

"Good…" Zero breathed out, closing his eyes with a deep sigh and clutching at his other half's shirt involuntarily. He moved a little closer to the younger boy yet again, sleep already beginning to take over his senses when Ichiru's quiet voice pulled him out of that pleasant state in-between. He didn't quite catch the other's words however, so he had to ask his replica to repeat what he had just said.

"I asked what happened to make you so upset," Ichiru answered.

"I'm not u-", Zero started to protest when his twin resumed speaking, thus successfully stopping him, "I know you are. I can feel it. You can't fool me, remember?"

He averted his gaze and gave a slight nod. Of course he couldn't. Ichiru always knew, as he knew him too well. Still, he didn't want to talk about it, didn't even want to relieve those words in his mind, let alone saying them out loud.

"It's nothing." And yet he couldn't look his brother in the eye.

'…I see...' Ichiru thought, his eyes visibly hardened as he tightened his arms around Zero. He had guessed by now what it was about. Again. These occurrences had become more and more frequent lately. And he hated it. He loathed it when his twin got like that. He despised them for doing this to Zero, to them both.

"It doesn't matter, you know," he finally responded, drawing the older Kiryuu's attention anew. "It's okay…I don't need them." A small, genuine smile spread across his features as his amethyst orbs locked with a pair of identical – but still so unlike his own – ones. He reached out to rest his palm on his counterpart's smooth cheek, continuing, "Everything will be okay…so long as I have Zero by my side. Others don't matter, even if it's them."

The older boy remained silent at that, he just didn't have it in his heart to even try to defend their parents and to persuade Ichiru otherwise. Because with time, he himself began to gradually doubt that he was right in his views. And his brother's words didn't really seem so…cold and sometimes cruel anymore. In spite of the fact that they did disturb him at times. Although he could hardly blame Ichiru for them, or anything at that. After all, he was the only one at fault.

"Hey, Zero-nii…" The younger one resumed speaking, successfully tearing his twin out of his not so optimistic thoughts.

"Hm?"

"You love me, don't you?" Ichiru paused, his hand going to take Zero's. He gripped it tightly, their fingers intertwining, before unconsciously bringing it to his chest, "More than anyone else, more than mom and dad…right?"

Zero's brows furrowed slightly at that sudden question. Briefly, he wondered where it had come from.

He didn't get to ponder on that for too long though, as barely noticeable – but still there – urgency and faintest anxiety in the other's tone compelled him to respond promptly. Which he did, his head automatically moving to nod almost instantly after he had comprehended his twin's inquiry.

At once, a radiant, if only a little tired, smile spread over Ichiru's face. It was needless for him to say that he felt the same. Zero felt warmth spread inside him at that sight. He loved it when his precious brother was so genuinely happy, when he had on his features such a beautiful smile that reached even his usually guarded eyes. He couldn't help responding in the same manner – his lips curved faintly without him noticing.

The younger boy's next words, however, destroyed all the tender emotions he had previously experienced, leaving nothing but unpleasant, uncomfortable feeling behind. It settled in the pit of his stomach and sent small shivers up his spine. It was…new…and incomprehensibly frightening.

"Then," Ichiru's smile was still there, and even started to widen a little, but his eyes said otherwise, as they were suddenly filled with anguish, "It'll be better if they just disappear…"

-o-

Burgundy orbs looked outside the window as their owner noticed a small movement there from the corner of his vision. His small, slender fingers paused in turning a page of the book he had been reading as he took in the view, somewhat mesmerized.

It was snowing. Thousands of white flakes descended gracefully from the pitch-black sky and onto the ground that was already covered with cold, colorless blanket. The night was peaceful. Yet there was something in it…something menacing about it. Although he didn't know what exactly. And frankly, didn't really care to fathom the reason for it, despite knowing that it wasn't just his imagination, as humans tended to dismiss such things when experiencing them. A pureblood's senses never failed – it was a fact. But he was obviously not in the mood tonight – for anything whatsoever.

His attention stayed there for another few seconds before Kaname returned to reading his book, unknowingly letting out a soft sigh. It was yet another boring, silence-filled night. Lonely and uneventful, with him stuck in this large manor with dozens of servants and still no one to talk to. The only exception was Takuma, but his friend had yet to return from the trip with his grandfather. So the young pureblood didn't have any company this evening too, as he had expected. Not that he wasn't used to it by now.

But at least his 'guardian', the older Ichijou wasn't anywhere near him. And that alone was enough to lighten his mood a little.

He never liked the old vampire, or this house that belonged to him at that. The only good thing about it was the man's grandson, who was so different from his only relative, or any vampire Kaname knew. He didn't even want to imagine how much more unbearable and gloomier it would have been here without his dear friend's presence. It really made the days that he spent in this place much easier to bear with. Although, obviously, it was hardly enough to once again make him feel…happy and at home, he guessed. As this place was too cold and unwelcoming, at least for him. Besides, there was only one being that could ever provide him with joy and genuine warmth that this house and its occupants so lacked of.

A gentle, tiniest of smiles flickered across the pureblood's face as his memory provided him with images of his dear girl's smiling, beautiful face along with the sound of her melodious, infectious laughter. It had been such a long while since he had last seen her it felt like years, even though he knew no more than a couple of months had passed since his previous visit. But he had been longing desperately all these days to meet with her again, to feel her in his arms, to hear her wonderful voice, to look into her big, shining brown eyes, to just…be near her, even if for a short amount of time. However, he knew too well that he wasn't allowed to indulge himself in it. It was too risky. He didn't need to attract unwanted attention – and that would surely happen if he wasn't careful with his every move.

No matter how hard and unbearable it was.

He missed their past, when she had been who she had been supposed to be and they hadn't had to be separated. When their parents had been alive and with them, when their family had been happy and not torn apart with him being the only one to know the bitter truth and remember everything that had happened that fateful night. While Yuuki, his light, his beloved sister had no recollections of her old life and her original, true self whatsoever. And in this new reality, he was to her nothing more than a stranger. One who had saved her life once, but a stranger nonetheless.

It was painful. It hurt more than Kaname cared to admit, and it made him feel alone and dejected, to be forgotten like that by the person he cared for the most, by the only one left for him in this world.

Nevertheless, he agreed to take it, he didn't mind bearing with this continuous torment if it meant that she would be safe and far from this dark, treacherous realm he existed in.

And he would carry on that way until he was certain that no harm could be done to her. Until he destroyed that man…

And Kaname would allow nothing and no one to interfere with his plans.

Or so he believed, foolishly thinking that everything in this game of chess of his would simply go according to his plans…

-o-

"Ichiru…" Zero heard himself breathe out, still not quite out of his daze. His heart gave a violent lurch as he saw the familiar form of his twin in the distance, coming his way, and with his mind completely blank from shocked relief that washed over him, the silver-haired boy rushed to his brother. "Ichiru!"

The other seemed to notice him after his name was called, he looked up and met Zero's gaze, a warm smile immediately making its way on his slightly flushed from cold winter weather face. Still, the older Kiryuu's distress hardly eased, his rapid pulse never slowed down and his state of panic refused to pass. He had never been so scared in his life.

Of course, Ichiru saw it too clearly. His arms already reached out to draw his other half in a reassuring hug meant to set Zero's troubled mind at rest. Enigmatically, it worked – simple as this gesture was. The corners of his lips curved further as he noted how Zero's tense form visibly relaxed. But his brother's voice still sounded a little shaky when he pulled back and spoke, "Where have you been? I've been looking for you everywhere."

Instinctively, Zero's hand went to feel Ichiru's cheek before moving to his forehead. A frown of concern marred his features as he realize his twin was running a mild fever. Which wasn't such a huge surprise, considering how long Ichiru must have spent outside today. Yet another reason for him to want to kick that bastard's ass.

It was all Kaito's fault. Because of his being his mean, insufferable self to Ichiru again – Zero was certain his guess was right despite the fact that he hadn't been present at the scene at the time. But what else could he think when he had returned to the clearing where his twin, together with the older hunter, were supposed to be, only to find the former missing and the latter standing there calmly with smug smirk plastered on his annoying face. Zero was not an idiot and could put two and two together, so it wasn't too hard to understand what must have happened. Also because it wasn't the first time either.

He hated that dumbass for deliberately doing that to Ichiru – and Zero knew he behaved like that with him on purpose. As if their parents and other people weren't enough already…

"We have to go back," the older twin said, not waiting for his counterpart to answer his previous question. He was too worried to think about it, "It's getting late."

"I'm fine, Zero-nii…" Ichiru spoke, his tone soothing. He didn't resist when his brother took his hand and tugged him after himself though. He only complied with the other's wish and moved forward with him. "Never felt better, in fact."

Zero felt his hand being squeezed briefly, and his gaze involuntarily turned to Ichiru. To which the younger boy only responded with another smile, but this one looked somewhat enigmatic, and all it did was cause Zero slight…unease…and apprehension, somewhere deep inside. For a fleeting moment, he thought he sensed something, some strange…vibe,coming from the one next to him. For some reason, his twin felt subtly different, or so it seemed for a fraction of a second.

But Zero dismissed it without second thought, assuming that it was just his imagination.

-o-

"The 'Madly Blooming Princess'?" Kaname asked, genuinely surprised by his friend's unexpected question. "Why the sudden interest in her, Takuma?"

"No, it's just…I've overheard something on my way here. Grandfather was talking about her with one of the Council members," he paused, closing the book he had stopped reading a while ago, distracted by his musings. It was unusual, to say the least, to see the blond noble, always so cheerful and happy, so serious.

"They said she escaped from her prison."

-o-

It was this feeling again. The one he had experienced several times before, in the past, distant, distant past. Even the memory of it was a blur.

But lately, he had been getting it more frequently. As though something was there, something malevolent, slowly approaching and watching his every move. For the last few days or so, this impending sense of danger had been following him persistently, refusing to leave.

Zero turned his gaze to the window absent-mindedly.

He thought he had heard something. Some kind of jingling. But as he listened attentively, trying to catch it again, there was no noise. Only snow falling and sometimes hitting the glass surface of the window, and wind disturbing the quiet night.

'It was nothing,' he tried to convince himself. But the doubt in his lavender orbs was still present even as they landed on the form of his twin sleeping peacefully next to him. Carefully, his fingers went to brush away a few silver strands of hair from Ichiru's closed eyes. 'Nothing…'

-o-

"What was she like?" Takuma asked with open curiosity, his emerald eyes twinkling with unconcealed interest. Kaname couldn't help chuckling at his dear friend's childish behavior. Childish for him, that is. As for vampires their age it was... Well, still acceptable, he guessed. His amusement passed, however, as he recalled his first and only encounter with the 'Madly Blooming Princess', Hiou Shizuka.

"She was…" he paused for a couple of seconds, struggling to find the right words, "…sad."

The blond blinked confusedly, "'Sad'?"

The young pureblood nodded pensively, "Very beautiful, but sad and lonely. It was hard to be near her, she made me feel…so much sorrow…"

Takuma's usual cheerfulness was gone, his expression darkened, "Do you think she really was mad?"

Kaname took a few moments to answer, his mind easily reviving the events of that night many years ago, "I doubt it. I didn't sense anything indicating her insanity back then." If anything, she had seemed like an ordinary pureblood vampire. Kaname could never comprehend the reason for her imprisonment. However…

"But who knows… She may be now." It wouldn't be surprising, especially after one being locked up for such a long period of time.

"I wonder where she is," Takuma whispered, turning to look at the obviously worsening snowstorm outside.

Kaname inclined his head in a slight nod, not offering any verbal response.

An uncomfortable, tight feeling suddenly welled up inside him. As if something grave was going to happen and change everything, but there was nothing he could do to prevent it or even escape the consequences.

-o-

"Kaname-sama!" Yuuki exclaimed, surprise and happiness evident in her cheerful voice. At once, the brunet's lips curved into a gentle smile, his eyes softening as he gazed at his dear girl with pure adoration. Her slender arms encircled his waist in a warm, tender embrace that made his heart melt of delight and filled it with joy. He returned the hug before letting the smaller form pull away and patting the girl's auburn head affectionately.

"Yuuki…" Kaname's tone was unusually sweet as he spoke, never averting his attention from his precious princess, "How have you been? It has been a while since my last visit, hasn't it?" His hand went to stroke one of the girl's cheeks slowly, his smile widening almost imperceptibly when the younger brunet leaned into his touch.

"It has," she sighed out, "I missed you, Kaname-sama. Why did you stop coming here so suddenly?" Her own smile faltered, a frown of concern marring her delicate features. The pureblood felt a small tug at his heart, guilt making itself known as he understood that he was the cause for the expression that currently resided on his beloved's face.

"I am sorry, I was unable to find the opportunity to pay you a visit sooner, my dear Yuuki…" Kaname replied softly, pausing in his movements to cup the cheek he had been caressing just a moment ago. "But I promise I will try to spend more time with you from now onwards."

"Really?" Yuuki's excitement was apparent not only in her voice, but also in her eyes and aura. It made warmth spread in the older brunet's chest.

Kaname responded with a nod, and the girl gave him another hug, emitting a small sound of delight.

Having closed the door, Yuuki then led him into the living room, pulling him by the hand while chatting away about the events that had happened during his long absence from her life. He listened carefully, happy to hear about her daily routines and even most insignificant occurrences. But after a short while, one thing struck him as odd, and he couldn't help wondering in the back of his mind.

Yuuki's guardian and former vampire hunter, Cross Kaien, was nowhere in sight. Which was more than strange, as the eccentric man always greeted his guests and, frankly, he could hardly ever remain quiet enough to go unnoticed, even for a minute. He was a walking disaster in every sense of the word – in both good and bad ways too. His presence alone was difficult to ignore if he was anywhere in the vicinity. And now that Kaname thought about it and actually paid attention… He couldn't sense it. The presence, he meant.

So he voiced out the question that had been bothering him for some time now, to which Yuuki answered without hesitation.

"He went out a while ago, saying that an urgent business suddenly came up," she said, pensive, probably recalling those moments. "I think it was something very important. He looked upset."

"I see…" Kaname replied absent-mindedly, silently wondering what could have happened to make Cross leave his precious Yuuki all alone, and at such a late time as well. He certainly did not appreciate it, regardless of the reason for the older male's actions. He doubted there could be a reasonable excuse for putting his dear girl into this potentially dangerous situation. Anything could happen in the ex-hunter's absence. What if it wasn't Kaname who had come? What if he hadn't come at all? What if Yuuki went outside for some reason and, God forbid, got lost? What if…

The possibilities were endless. And Kaname's brilliant mind went through all of them in seconds.

He was definitely interested in hearing Cross's side of the story. Although he was more than sure that it wouldn't change his opinion on the matter.

But for now, he would rather enjoy his sweet Yuuki's company and blissfully forget about everything else. Which he did, and quite successfully, even if not for as long as he would have liked.

Soon enough it was nearing midnight, and in spite of the fact that it was long past Yuuki's bedtime, the pureblood didn't have the heart to refuse her pleas of letting her stay up for a bit longer. So they remained sitting in the living room, now watching the girl's favorite shows on television, with Yuuki still chattering happily and sometimes making comments about the events unfolding on the screen. Kaname didn't give much heed to any of it, less than concerned with the fictional characters' lives – he simply took pleasure in being there, in the company of his most precious person, basking in her wonderful, comforting presence.

But all of a sudden, he froze. For a brief instant, something caused him to freeze. He had no idea what it was, but for some reason, his head turned in the direction of the entrance – or where he knew it was supposed to be as he couldn't see it from the room he was currently in – on its own accord. His gaze didn't stay there for long, as after only a couple of seconds, somewhat stiffly, the pureblood returned it to his dear girl, who was completely oblivious to his momentary distraction.

His unease refused to cease.

And then, he felt it. Literally moments before his sensitive hearing detected the sound of the lock on the front door turn.

It was only when that same door was being pushed open that Yuuki noticed that someone was there, and, naturally assuming that it was Cross, she leapt from the couch and ran into the hallway, obviously heading for the source of the noise. And Kaname was thankful for that. Because there was no way he could allow her to see him like that.

Taking a deep breath, the pureblood closed his eyes and willed his raging instincts to calm down. There was no doubt that his normally garnet orbs were red with bloodlust now, his fangs were almost fully aroused and his pulse and respiratory rate became irregular. His trembling fingers tightened around the soft material of the cushion he was sitting on. He barely managed to stop his nails from transforming into sharp talons ready to tear into first source of blood on his way.

Never once in his life had he been so hungry. And so terrified of himself before.

And worst of all, he had no clue what was the cause, except for the obvious one, of course. But that alone wasn't enough to affect him this much. What on the earth…

Abruptly, Kaname was pulled out of his reverie as a shocked gasp sounded, and he immediately recognized it as Yuuki's. Worried, the pureblood wasted no time in leaving the room and hurrying to the girl's side – it took him a mere instant to reach his destination. Spotting the familiar head of brown locks straight away, Kaname parted his lips to inquire what was the matter, but no words came out of his mouth as his focus involuntarily shifted ahead of the form he was currently approaching at fast pace. He was speechless as he took in probably the most devastating and beautiful sight he had ever had the chance to behold.

The extent to which a vampire's nature was twisted was inconceivable, flashed through Kaname's mind fleetingly. He couldn't believe he was actually fascinated by this image in front of him. So much so that he couldn't tear his eyes off of it.

Motionless, two forms stood silently before the brunets, with the third one held tightly yet gently in Cross Kaien's arms.

Two silver-haired boys. Absolutely identical – twins, clearly. Both covered in blood. Sweet, enticing blood. Hunter blood. But he couldn't discern whether it was their own or one Cross was carrying was unconscious while the other was standing next to the ex-hunter, his small pale hand holding the much larger one loosely, his bloodshot lavender eyes staring at nothing in particular.

It was no wonder he felt so perturbed earlier. Any vampire would react that way at having so many hunters nearby. Cross was one thing, as Kaname was used to his aura by now, but these two...

He tensed abruptly. His vampire senses tingling ever so slightly in response to something other than hunter presence.

Something...didn't feel right…

One of them didn't feel right. Like he was…

The pureblood's eyes widened ever so slightly in startling realization.

He looked at Cross, and the ex-hunter's solemn – so unusual for him – expression only confirmed his suspicions. Without uttering a word, the man moved forward, gently tugging the twin that was holding his hand along with him down the hall.

As Kaname watched them go, he felt that tightening in his chest again.

Little did he know that it was only the beginning...and the end of everything.