A/N: Alright so I have no excuses for my long absence suffice to say that whatever the reason I am back. And with my return I come bearing the next update as well as edits for the previous chapters.

IMPORTANT: (READ BEFORE CONTINUING ON.)

If you noticed that the chapter count is less than what it was, that's because I did some semi-heavy revisions on this story. Some chapters I edited only slightly while others I combined and added more details. I changed nothing about the plot line or major events when I edited the previous chapters. Rest assured that you do not need to go back and read the edited versions to understand what is going in this chapter if you still remember the previous chapters. Most changes made were changes in wordings, descriptions, added details, and interactions.

Future edits may continue.

Chapter 20: Truthfully

Vichette eyed the carrier pigeon that had perched itself on her windowsill. How odd, it wasn't very often that she exchanged correspondence with anyone. Vichette eyed the bird for only a moment, before hopping over to the window sill and taking the parchment from the messenger's claws.

Slowly Vichette unravelled the paper in her hands, she could already smell the human that had handled the paper, but included inside that one was another parchment that was definitely not sent by the human.

She chose to ignore the smaller parchment in favor of reading the one that had been from the pigeon's owner.

Dear Zero and Kaname, I hope that you two have been well.

I will make this letter brief, Yuki has been insisting to go see you both and Kaein

has finally conceded. She will arrive at the nearby town just below the mountain

base where you both were dropped off. She'll be accompanied by

Seiren and either myself or Kaein. Until then, stay safe.

Toga.

Vichette eyed the simple message, more of a note than a letter. She wondered briefly who this Yuki was. A human? Perhaps someone for the hunter. How interesting. She would inform the two and gauge their reactions. She mustn't hinder her plans after all. It won't do anyone good if she were a distraction.

The sorcerer eyed the date on the top right corner, indicating that the letter was sent a few days ago. These humans probably did not think to consider that the pigeon would have met someone else on its way here, thus being late in arrival. Although, the date that this Yuki was to come see the boys was tonight, so perhaps not late, but quite a short notice indeed.

Once the letter had been read, she turned to the pigeon that had delivered the letter, she gave it a cracker and some water and then shooed it away.

Now, for the other letter that had piqued her interest. This message was even shorter than the one from the human, but unlike the other this one held no scent. Not a trace of who sent it. There was no date or name from who had written the note, but that's what made it so intriguing. The scrap of parchment only had one thing written on it, a beautiful script of an address. Ohhh… how interesting indeed.

It was still early in the morning that both boys were still in their respective rooms which was how she wanted to deliver the message. She wanted to know who this girl was. After all if she could derive entertainment from it why wouldn't she try?

She made her way leisurely to Kuran's room, skipping on her way and singing a random melody that she was sure the birds had been seeing at the break of dawn. It was only natural that she tell him first despite her assumption that the girl was coming for the hunter.

She knocked quietly and in the most chipper voice she could muster she addressed the Pureblood on the other side. "Kuran-sama, there is a girl named Yuki that's stopping by."

Vichette was just about to say a degrading remark about humans flocking together and essentially finding a way to insult both the girl and the hunter when suddenly the door she had been leaning on opened abruptly.

"When?" despite the fact the Kuran looked to be as he always did, there was a sense of urgency and excitement about the way he had asked that question, which made Vichette hold her tongue. While she thrived on entertainment she also valued her life. She balanced herself after the abrupt opening of the door and cleared her throat.

"Tonight." She would have had a cheekier reply if she had been prepared for his reaction, like how she would have spoken to the hunter, but the Pureblood's excitement was new to her. While Kuran had been spending time with the hunter, she had a feeling that he was more calm and content, but there seemed to be more happiness in his aura in regards to this girl.

"Thank you for informing me."

Vichette nodded her head in contemplation then offhandedly mentioned that she would be informing the hunter of her arrival next. She had said it offhandedly because she had not thought it would raise a reaction, but just like her assumption earlier, she was wrong. She didn't miss the tensing in his shoulders or the way his eyes seemed to flicker from the normally stoic reddish brown color of his eyes to the more fiery red that looked quite menacing. When she fully turned to inspect this reaction it was already gone, his shoulders were relaxed and his eyes had return to normal.

Huh…

"Was there anything else Vichette?"

Vichette shook her head and proceeded to walk over to the hunter's room. Perhaps it was best to not assume things when this girl is concerned.

A sense of deja vu was the feeling that Vichette felt as she heard the eager question asking when the girl would be coming. Even the abrupt door opening was similar. So the girl was coming for them both? Was she a friend? She had assumed that perhaps she was the hunter's girlfriend, but obviously she was wrong.

"She'll be coming tonight." Vichette watched the grin that replaced the usual scowl or gentle and timid smile that she had grown accustomed to. Unlike Kuran, the human turned vampire had no reservations, he didn't hide his joy about the news.

Knowing how Kuran had reacted to her when she said she would be telling Kiryuu, she was more alert and aware as she told the hunter that Kuran has already been informed.

Immediately the frown that usually sat on the hunter's face reappeared. So the reaction is the same...

"Alright. Thanks."

Just like that the door was promptly shut.

Vichette eyed the door for a few mattered not, she would figure it out eventually. She had her own appointment tonight, she would be meeting her mysterious note sender tonight as well, but perhaps she could have a set of eyes follow the two to their meeting place. She was interested in this particular development.

Seeing both of them so affected could only mean one thing, she could use the girl. For what, she didn't know yet, but it would come to her. It always did.

Zero sighed and leaned heavily against the door. Yuki. It had been so long since they'd seen each other, and he really did miss her. So much, but lately, he and Kuran had been getting along so well. He couldn't help, but worry. It was one thing to be able to talk about her, it was entirely different when she was there, next to them. Zero closed his eyes as he let his head tilt back to the door.

What was one good conversation about Yuki compared to the hundreds of times they've argued with each other about her? He liked talking to Kuran. Since they've been here, it's been good. It was like they were friends. He had always wondered what it would be like once they went back to the academy, but he had always thought that at best it'd be months before they went back and had to deal with it and at the worst, well he'd be dead and he wouldn't have to worry about how to interact with the Pureblood while at the Academy.

Now he wondered, he wanted their tenuous relationship to survive Yuki, but was it even possible?

Kuran was shocked. Beyond it actually. His downcast eyes spoke volumes for the emotions currently raging within him. Confusion swirled behind his eyes, but in front of the emotion was something far more terrifying. If anyone could see his eyes now, they would run in fear.

The feeling welling up in his chest. The amount of control he was trying to exert on himself just so he wouldn't alert anyone else. Oh he could conceal it. He had iron-clad defenses when he made an effort and he was making the effort.

How could he even… what was he….

Kuran was at a loss, when Vichette had stopped by telling him of Yuki's visit he had been overjoyed. It had been so long since he saw the girl and almost instantly flashes of what their encounter would consist of flashed through his mind. They would perhaps sit for a bit, and she'd regale him stories of the night class and the chairman. Perhaps she'd even mention that she missed his presence while he'd been gone. He imagined the night to be peaceful and consisting of only the two of them. It had been a good thing his mind had conjured and while it was not true it had been nice.

But then she said it. Vichette had said it so nonchalantly that he wondered briefly if she had been taunting him. But how could that be when he didn't even know that he'd react so strongly.

The moment the sorcerer had mentioned his name he wasn't prepared for his reaction, so much so that for a brief moment he had released his control. The wave of possessiveness that had filled him was terrifying, even to him.

It was unlike anything he had ever felt. The urge to eliminate any who threaten to take away the attentions he would receive was ground breaking. He had squashed the feeling as soon as it had come, but even now as he stood immobile in the middle of his rooms, he worked to keep himself calm. Worked to keep his cool.

Zero is mine.

Kuran took a sharp breath. Stop. Had he been the type he would have started cursing a long time ago as he paced his room. But as he was he simply stood still in the middle of his room, trying desperately to control himself by focusing on his breathing. Where was this sudden possessiveness coming from and why in the hell was Zero the one he wanted to keep to himself? How could he even think to hurt Yuki in anyway?

How?

Breathe out.

There was no explanation. None whatsoever that he could think of. He had wanted to keep Zero as his friend and he knew that Yuki threatened that. They always had a hard time keeping civil whenever she was concerned, but he had always kept her in his arms. He had always fought for her. Hadn't he? So why, why did this need to keep Zero to himself become so strong? When had it even developed? Surely wanting to keep their tenuous friendship wasn't enough of a reason for such possessiveness.

Breathe in.

And just like that he started questioning all of his actions and his decisions regarding the hunter. Could it be possible that he hadn't wanted to keep Yuki to himself? Was it possible that in all these years the reason why he fought for Yuki so much wasn't because he wanted her, but because he didn't want her with him? Was it possible that he had always wanted Kiryuu for himself.

Breathe out.

No. that was impossible. He was being ridiculous of course that wasn't true. He shouldn't think about his desire to care for Yuki as anything more than his actual desire to care for her. He met Yuki first, talked to her first, he had cared for her first. He didn't care about Kiryuu, he didn't care about the hunter.

As soon as the thought entered his mind it was countered by a voice in his mind, Then why do you want to keep him alive?

Breath in.

It was all for Yuki!

Stop it. Kuran clenched his fist, god he was such an idiot. Why couldn't he admit it to himself? He was by himself, he was talking to himself. No one was privy to his thoughts and yet he still couldn't admit it. Of course he cared about Yuki, of course, he wanted her happy. But things changed.

He still wanted all of those things, he still cared about the girl, he did, but now he cared about the hunter too. Sure, he still wanted her happy, but this time… he wanted him to be happy too.

However , when in the past he kept himself from killing Kiryuu because of Yuki. He now made sure he stayed alive and he was doing it because he wanted to. And that was the biggest change. It was easy to keep himself from killing someone, he just wouldn't. It was as simple as walking away. But keeping someone alive? That was harder work, especially concerning the hunter. He couldn't just walk away. In fact to keep the hunter alive, he needed to stay with him, he needed to work for it. And what was so strange about it was that he had never wanted to keep someone safe the way he wanted to keep Kiryuu safe. The way he protected Yuki and the way he wanted to protect Kiryuu was different. He had never felt compelled to keep Yuki so close, he had never so actively prevented her death. Simply put, he was there when she needed him.

But with the hunter, he wanted to be there even if Kiryuu was safe, he wanted to be beside just in case something went wrong. He didn't just want to keep him safe, he wanted to prevent harm.

And by himself, all alone with his mind he could accept that! He could accept that he cared about someone else. There was nothing wrong with that, there was nothing wrong with wanting a friend, there was nothing wrong with trying to learn about someone else, there was nothing wrong in wanting to protect someone and keep them alive! There was nothing wrong about it at all!

Kuran clenched his fists to his side, the feeling wouldn't go away. There was a tightening in his chest that made him want to lash out, made him want to claw at his own chest. There was a possessiveness in him that urged him to make sure that Yuki couldn't go near Kiryuu. But there was an even bigger urge compelling him to lock Kiryuu where no one could ever find him. Not anyone, except himself.

But damn it…

There was something wrong with the way he wanted to possess him, wanted to own him… The way he wanted to keep him for himself. There was definitely something wrong about that. And for the first time in a long time Kaname was scared.

When the afternoon sun started to descend both Kuran and Kiryuu finally started to get ready. Neither of them sought the other out throughout the day, which was sort of normal. Vichette had cancelled any training session that they had planned for in favor of meeting Yuki who had travelled so far just to see them and so neither had a reason to seek the other out. However, with the amount of time that they've been spending together it was weird that they hadn't at least eaten breakfast together. When the rays of the afternoon sun dimmed, they finally couldn't escape the night. They needed to start travelling to the base of the mountain.

When Kuran finally stepped out of the house Kiryuu was already waiting for him outside. Kuran reigned in all of his emotions, made sure to keep his thoughts away from his facial expression and tried to act normal. He tried not to think about what he had just been thinking about before he came out and what he had thought to do.

But as Kiryuu looked away from him, he had to stomp on the emotion that welled up inside of him that was telling him to lock Kiryuu up.

He had to stop thinking of the hunter. He needed to think about Yuki. Just Yuki.

On their way down the mountain, the silence was tense, both men knowing that the wrong words could cause them to ruin what they had slowly started to build. This time, unlike the time when they were on their way up to the mountain, neither one thought to break the silence.

Vichette had created a path for them to follow so that they could travel out of the mountain without trouble. As they descended they passed the shrubs, the trees and startled a few animals, Zero eyed the Pureblood beside him. He was thinking of too many things that had nothing to do with the scenery or even Yuki. He thought about the vampire beside. It was possible wasn't it? To enjoy the company of both Yuki and Kuran?

Zero lowered his gaze, he watched each step he took as he followed the path, he switched his gaze and followed the steps that Kuran took. He fell behind a few steps as he tried to follow the steps ahead of him. He noted the light steps, Kuran walked so gracefully, not a single broken twig, no leaf out of place, no pebble or dirt disturbed. Zero tried to follow from example, but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't do the same.

Maybe it was a Pureblood skill. Zero scoffed, walking was a skill?

He sighed, he could see past the trees and into the town below, they'd been walking for an hour. Yuki would be waiting just passed those trees… Just a few minutes and they'd see her. Zero steps subconsciously slowed down, little by little, bit by bit before finally he stopped.

"Kuran stop."

In an instant the Pureblood did. Kaname wasn't angry though, he was going to stop and turn to him anyway. He had heard Zero's step halt and he had every intention of asking or at the very least waiting. When Kiryuu looked up from the ground there was a hint of wry amusement and an apologetic gaze to his eyes.

Kuran shook his head minutely to let him know that such an order didn't bother him, once upon a time it probably would have. Hell just a month ago it would at least irritate him, but right now the order was oddly reassuring. Reassuring him of what? He wasn't sure, but nonetheless reassuring.

"I-..." Zero didn't know what to say, he wanted to say that he wanted to stay friends, he wanted to say that he didn't want to fight with him over Yuki. He didn't want to argue, he just wanted to see Yuki and keep whatever sort of friendship he'd build with the PUreblood intact. But he wasn't sure how to say it.

He tried to look Kuran straight in the eyes, tried to tell him to his eyes alone, but he knew there were things that needed to be said with words and somehow he felt this was one of those times when words were needed instead of actions. But before he could think of anything to say the Pureblood spoke.

"Kiryuu, can you release me?" Kuran motioned to his feet. After the order to stop he hadn't been able to move his feet again, when Zero nodded without a word but with consent the spell lifted. It was one of the things that they learned over the last week. To give an order it was always verbal, it needed to be said otherwise it didn't work, but by accident they happened upon the fact that releasing him from the spell after an order could be broken as easily as Zero thinking it.

Kuran stepped forward as soon as he felt the pull disappear, he understood what Zero was saying and seeing as Zero didn't seem to know how to say it, he thought maybe he could take initiative.

Looking at those amethyst eyes wasn't hard, holding the gaze was challenge, not losing himself in them was even worse, he smiled "We'll be fine."

Just three words that conveyed both their worries, and three words that seemed to reassure them both.

Zero only nodded before he too smiled and they both continued to walk.

"Zero! Kaname!" The voice that greeted them was music to both their ears. Kuran realized then that despite how the confusing feeling he had for Kiryuu, his feeling for the girl hadn't changed. How could he ever think he'd ever be able to hurt Yuki?

The brunette had seen them walking down, she stayed still until finally they passed the imaginary line that Toga had created and she wasted no time to hug both of them. She would not normally be so forward with Kaname, but she was so excited. She was so happy to finally see them both so well. She ran towards the two men and wrapped one around around each of them, forcing the two taller vampires to lean down towards her.

Both men didn't hesitate to wrap their arms around the petite form. Kuran placed his arms around her as best as he could and in their simple desire to hold the girl in their arms they failed to realize that as they reached around her, each of their arms would eventually meet each other.

So during their embrace it was inevitable that Kurans hand grazed Kiryuu's forearm and Zero's own hands had landed on Kuran's forearm. The act was accidental and innocent at best. Zero didn't even realize it. He simple left it there for as long as the hug continued then let go as soon as it was over. He hovered over Yuki and proceeded to knuckle her head in teasing and gentle manner all the while grinning at the girl. Yuki expressed her sentiments and told him how much he missed his lazy butt and hugged him again after letting Kaname go.

Yuki laughed as Zero lifted her off the ground and teased her about weighing a ton and eating too much. The rush of their greetings however, went unnoticed by Kuran who, while looking on with a smile, was actually not processing any of their conversations or their facial expression.

After Yuki had hit Zero for the fat comment, the girl had turned away from him and turned a flustered look to the Pureblood. She was embarrassed to realize that she had been so forward, hugging him like that. Zero noticed the flustered look that Yuki had about having given a one-arm hug to her supposed prince charming and normally she would push Yuki away from the Pureblood, but he remembered the conversation that he had with Kuran not too long ago.

Without saying a word, he pushed the girl slightly, and knowing her sense of balance, she lost it. She stumbled into the Pureblood's awaiting arms and blushed profusely. She was about to apologize when her words caught in her throat as the arms that had been holding her steady wrapped her in a loose embrace, "I've missed you Yuki."

Blushing madly, Yuki ducked her head. She nuzzled the Pureblood's chest as she mumbled her own sentiment.

After a few minutes, Zero decided that he'd been nice enough, "Alright you two, you can get a room if you want."

Zero had said it with a scowl, just like he would have done in the academy and Kuran looked up almost immediately with a searching gaze and Yuki jumped out of his arms just as fast with cheeks as red as a cherry.

"Zero stop being so mean!"

Kuran didn't need to wonder for too long if Zero was angry at him because as soon as his eyes met the hunter's he knew that Kiryuu wasn't mad at all. They were still fine. The thought should have made him stutter, when had he ever worried over his relationship with Kiryuu?

Before long Zero and Kaname finally greeted the other two people with Yuki. Toga and Seiren had been waiting at the sides for a while before, simply letting the three catch up and when the initial greetings passed all of them made their way into the town.

They entered restaurant with a veranda and proceeded to dine underneath the darkening skies.

Kaname and Zero mostly kept their attentions on Yuki and for the most part and directed each other quite minimally. To Yuki and Zero it was how it always was, but to Kaname, for Kaname things were different. Because for some reason his forearm was emitting a warmth accompanied by a tingling sensation that he couldn't shake away.

The same forearm that Zero had accidentally touched.

Yuki was so happy. She was beyond relieved too. She had worried for so long about what had happened to Zero. She had feared she would never see him again, but here he was. He was okay. She excused herself for a moment as she went to the washroom. She had jokingly and somewhat seriously warned the two vampires to not fight or argue while she was away, and both of them had nodded their agreement. She had actually been surprised that both of them were being so considerate of each other. There was something about the way they acted around each other that was slightly different than she remembered.

She just couldn't pinpoint what it was that was so different. She had excused herself to relieve her bladder and then quickly returned after washing her hands.

She walked back out to the veranda to see Kaname and Zero talking to one another from across their seats. He couldn't see Zero's face because it had been turned away from her, but he could clearly see Kaname's. She smiled in his direction hoping to get his attention without calling out to him. Normally, the Pureblood would notice her return, normally he would look up from whatever he was doing, but today his gaze never wavered away from who he was talking to. Never once had Yuki seen Kaname so focused on the person he was talking to, at least not when she was so close by.

Yuki's smile remained in place, it was a good thing that Kaname and Zero seemed to be getting along. That was a good thing indeed and so as she walked back her smile never fading. Her two favorite boys were finally getting along! Perhaps when all of this was over and Zero was once again safe, she could spend time with the both of them.

As she walked back to where she had been sitting her mind involuntarily supplied her with images of the three of them going to the carnival. Oh, she would be the envy of so many women but more than that she would finally be able to have both of them by her side. It was one of the things she's always wished for.

As she finally neared the table she watch Kaname stand and greet her return, before excusing himself to speak with Seiren. She only smiled for a moment before nodding her head. She had spent time talking to the both of them and that had been good, but she couldn't deny that she wanted to talk to Zero alone too.

Yuki talked for most of their meeting, she explained the daily ongoings back in the academy and how the girls missed his scowl and his overall presence. She even teased him about the fact that she was pretty sure that even the Nobles missed him.

Yuki went on to tell him about the shooting range that he had started to build, but never had the chance to finish and told him that it had been raining recently. Toga and the Chairman hadn't wanted to let the tools, plywood and the other materials to be ruined by the water, so Toga in his spare time from the Association had built a small shed in the back where his supplies could go until he could finish it.

As Zero listened in he made sure to remember to thank Toga-sensei when he had his chance to talk to him. When Zero had been asked what the had been up to he talked a little about his training, and his theory that Vichette just wanted to beat someone up and it wasn't training at all. Yuki had laughed at some of his stories which made him grin, he was sure that Yuki didn't believe him on some of the things he said, but it didn't matter.

Zero mentioned almost everything he did including his daily routine, but never once did he mention the more serious things, like how Masaru's hold on him was slowly overwhelming him, and how even with his confidence that he could control his ancestor's powers that it didn't matter he would still die, if not because of the possession, he would surely have to die once he descended to Level E. There was no escaping his early demise.

He also didn't mention the fact that Kuran had been keeping him company and how his last moments could very well be with Kuran instead of Yuki and how if it came down to it, it would be Kuran that would ensure her safety and his death. He didn't mention any of that. There was no need to ruin the few moments he had with Yuki talking about things that, really didn't matter in the long run.

He definitely didn't mentioned didn't that he didn't quite mind the idea of dying while he was alone with the Pureblood, because he didn't particularly want to mention that he and the vampire were getting along on that mountain top.

But despite not mentioning it, it didn't mean it wouldn't be brought up.

"Zero, really, are you gonna be okay?" Yuki had leaned further towards the table as she asked her question, she even lowered her voice as much as she could, but who she feared would hear them Zero didn't know, because as he found the last few days' the Pureblood's hearing could hear things from a mile away. Exaggeration maybe, but Zero knew that if he wanted to listen in the Pureblood would have no trouble eavesdropping no matter how quiet Yuki whispered, at least from their current distance.

The frown on the girl's face was a serious indication that Yuki was in fact very worried and while he would have blown her off most times, this was more serious.

"I'll be fine Yuki, I'm doing all that I can. I promise." Zero wasn't lying, he really was doing everything he could. He accepted and expected his death, but that didn't mean he wanted to die. He just knew he would.

Yuki nodded her head after seemingly searching his eyes for the truth, he tried not to avert his gaze, but it was getting harder to keep a straight face. Fortunately, for him, Yuki seemed to deem his words for the truth and simply let it go with a grin.

"Neh, you and Kaname-senpai seem to be getting along."

The statement was a probing one, one that demanded an answer to an unheard question.

Zero's eyes wandered over to the Pureblood, "Do we?" his answer was purposely vague, because what else could he say? He certainly couldn't start gushing about how well they've been getting along or that they've been spending most of their time together.

"Zero."

Zero looked back at Yuki, "Yeah, we're getting along fine."

"That's great! I told you! I told you that you just had to give each other a chance and you two could be friends! Do you think when you guys come back we can all go out together? Maybe we can attend the annual carnival in the city!"

Zero grinned at Yuki, but it was a grin done out of habit and the frown that wanted to replace it was slowly coming and he had to consciously stop himself from frowning. The reason fro the frown was easy enough, what if he didn't make it that far? But even Zero couldn't stop that thought that it would certainly be interesting to see the vampire's reaction when he got on a roller coaster ride. The thought made him smile a bit more genuinely.

When their conversation began to dwindle, he excused himself. He really needed to go talk to Toga-sensei. After all the man had patiently waited for him to talk to Yuki. As he stood up he turned to the Pureblood slightyly and quietly mumbled, "Talk to Yuki." Despite the distance between them he knew that the vampires would be able to hear him.

As an afterthought he apologized for giving the command and subtlety dismissed the order so that the vampire wouldn't be compelled to fulfill it.

Nonetheless from the corner of his eyes, he saw Kuran leave Seiren's side and head towards Yuki.

Zero approached the only other hunter in the room with a smile and seated himself in a respectable manner all the while greeting the man in front of him.

His sensei didn't particularly do small talk and so he wasn't surprised when the first thing his sensei asked was, "How are things going with the possession? Are you learning proper control?"

"I think I am. Vichette and Kuran have both commented on how well I'm doing. Masaru has also spoken to me a few times. I don't dream anymore. Not as much anyway, sometimes I think it's just random memories. Usually trivial days hunting or when he spent time with his lover."

"That's good to hear."

"Have you found anything about Kuran's grandmother? The one that wants me dead?"

Toga looked at the young man in front of him, he shook his head minutely, "Not particularly. She's a ghost as far as the rest of the world is concerned she's dead. There's no one that seems to think she could be alive. Is Masaru sure that the one that wants you dead is this vampire."

Kiryuu took a sip of the water that the waiter had placed in front of him, "He hasn't changed his tune, so it seems that yes. She is still the target."

"Have you felt anything? Seen anything that may indicate that she's coming for you? That she's planning anything?"

Kiryuu shifted in his seat, "No. In fact aside from what Masaru-sama has said there doesn't seem to be anything from her. There's been no indication that she's alive or even wants me dead."

"That's good at least, you can continue to exert control on the powers you're borrowing instead. It's a good thing."

"It is. I'll let Kuran know to keep an extra ear and eye out while we're at Vichette's."

Toga nodded briefly before eyeing his pupil with a cautious gaze, "You two getting along?"

Kiryuu tried not to squirm at the question, unlike with Yuki he actually had to give an answer, this was his sensei after all, "Better than either of us thought." It was interesting though, why it made him so uncomfortable to talk about his relationship with Kuran. Maybe it was just because not once had he ever thought he'd have a positive relationship with the Pureblood.

Toga looked at the slight shift in the young man's posture, there was a shift that indicated that Zero had leaned to the left and allowed his gaze to shift from him to the Pureblood. Almost as if he was asking the vampire permission to state that they were getting along.

How odd.

"What about that spell that Masaru placed on Kuran? Has that been a problem?"

Zero shook his head, "No. We've worked it out."

Toga didn't ask any further than that and despite not talking they fell into comfortable silence. They ordered some food to eat and invited Seiren to join. They were denied her company when she politely nodded her head and stayed where Kuran had left her.

There were brief instances when they spoke about trivial dinner conversation and ate their food leisurely. Eventually Yuki and Kaname joined them at their table and they ate while continuing a lighthearted conversation.

Dinner ended not too long after that and it went well. Zero and Kaname were still waiting for something to set either of them off, but so far they were able to talk to Yuki while at the same keep a sort of indifferent stance with each other. They left the table after Kuran paid the restaurant and headed back out after continuing on with their conversation.

Vichette skipped along the uneven forest floor as she hummed her little tune. The note had said to meet her at the opposite edge of where the human girl was visiting her boys was going to meet. She had waited leisurely for the boys to leave and set out for her own meeting. It was amusing to have this much entertainment. It had been a long time since she had so much company, and all of them seemed to want her help. It was refreshing a new way.

Vichette, hardly ever changed her form. She enjoyed the appearance of a little girl because little girls always got to wear the cutest and frilliest dresses. They could sparkle and shine and be as intrusive and most would simply think it cute. It was also more acceptable when she giggled as child than as a grown adult. When she giggled in her actual form people always thought she was creepy. She didn't like that.

Vichette made her way to the forest edge and waited right in the middle, uncovered by foliage or trees. She wanted to be found by her mystery writer after all.

Vichette didn't have to wait long for her mystery person.

"Vichette-sama, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am known as Kairi Kuran." The Pureblood in front of Vichette was a woman of exquisite beauty, the kind that she was sure would not look good in her sparkly or even her victorian dresses.

"Hello there, there's really no need to bow your head. If you are truly Kairi-sama then it is I that should be bowing my head to yours."

Kairi straightened her posture, although she knew this she wanted to make sure that Vichette knew for certain that she did not come to fight. She wanted to have a amicable conversation and leave in both peace and secrecy.

"I am aware, but blood aside, this is your territory and I am a mere visitor."

Vichette smiled, "How true, I wish your boy appreciated that fact more. Sometimes, I think that he thinks he own the place."

"You are speaking of my grandson?"

"Yes, you know he's staying with me do you not? Is that not why you've come? Have you come to collect him like a child late for curfew?"

Kairi wondered at her words, did Vichette not think of the hunter as a danger to Kuran?

Vichette smiled wider, "I know what your thinking and while it would be easier to simply supply you with information, why don't you tell me what you've sought me out for?"

"I want the hunter dead. That Kiryuu bloodline, he's the last one left alive. I want them all gone for what they did to me and my son. He carries Masaru's soul. I feel it. That conniving vile hunter is trying to come out, trying to make fools out of me and my grandson! I won't let him!"

Vichette tilted her head in contemplation. She wasn't quite sure what to make of this woman. Vichette sat down on the ground and with the most docile smile she could muster she asked the Pureblood to do the same. Using her illusion she was able to conjure her servant shadow and have it deliver some tea for them to share.

"It's my understanding that you're too late. If your goal is to prevent Kiryuu from controlling your grandson it has already happened. I have not seen it in action, but I do believe that Kiryuu already holds a bond with Kuran-sama. The effects and in what capacity this is possible, I have not been privy to."

Kairi tried to reign her anger, she had been right! She was always right. "That's exactly my point! I want to kill him. To kill that hunter means no one else from my clan will be controlled, manipulated or wronged by them. Which is why I am asking for you help. They are staying at your home, if we work together, I can finish this need of mine for revenge. All will be well! No one need know of my intervention, you could have the credit. My grandson would thank you for breaking the hunter's hold on him. I am sure he is cursed right now, but once that spell is lifted he will be grateful for your help! We need only kill Masaru and in turn his descendant's."

Vichette gave her most worried expression possible. She understood now. This woman believes that Kuran has no will of his own. Kairi truly believes that the hunter is evil and manipulating the Pureblood by magic, through spells. She could have corrected her, she could have tried to change her mind, but the wild look in those fiery red eyes would not be assuaged through words. So, why not fuel the fire further instead?

"It's my understanding that Kaname-sama is protecting the hunter. Wanting to keep him alive, even against you."

Kairi nodded enthusiastically, "I understand that. But that's because of the spell. There would be no way that he would willingly help the hunter. I told you he's being controlled just like the way my son had been controlled. If we can separate them or if I could kill the hunter while you distracted my grandson, we could sever the ties between them without hurting my grandson and then freeing him from a life of servitude and enslavement."

Vichette truly wanted to fuel the fire within Kairi Kuran's rage. She did and she so wished she could be involved the way Kairi wanted her to, but it was impossible. Kairi was delusional while Vichette had a picture that was true. She had seen glimpses of the future and although she didn't know all that would happen, she knew that if she just helped Kaname Kuran she would be free of trouble and live the rest of her days in whatever way she wished. Not only that, but while there was certainly something magical bonding the two vampires together, it wasn't one forged by force. The bond between them, the one she could see forming now and had formed in the glimpses of the future she had seen, that bond was mutual.

"I'm afraid I can not actively help you even if I wanted to."

Kairi frowned only slightly taking a sip of the tea that had cooled from their conversation. She noted the warmth had dissipated and the tea had lost its warming taste, "I thought you'd say something like that. What I don't understand is what's preventing you. You don't like the hunter either."

Vichette let out a dramatic sigh as she let herself fall to the ground. She laid on her back while reached one of her hands out to the sky. She used her fingers to cover the sun then spread her fingers to peak at it. She did it repeatedly playing with the rays of the sun, "What's preventing me? To be honest Kairi? It's preservation."

"I don't understand." Vichette didn't expect her to understand because there were times when Vichette herself failed to do the same. Seeing the future, no matter how brief wasn't much help. However, she knew that life for her would be exceedingly better if the hunter wasn't trifled with.

"We are old Kairi-sama. I believe it is about time that a new generation take over and with the new age comes new power. And your grandson is the first in line."

Kairi scoffed, "I have no doubt that Kaname will rule over the nobles and purebloods alike. Perhaps he can even eradicate hunters. Humans have plagued us, but hunters they can be killed. There's not that many of them left in the first place. However, if that vile hunter keeps his hold on him, manipulates him and enslaves him then what hope does the vampire world have without my grandson?"

Vichette turned her head and rested her eyes on Kairi, for the first time in a very long time, her eyes weren't filled with mirth or mischievous desires. Her eyes were sorrowful, showing pity and most of all it was filled with wisdom and understanding. Vichette understood the problem now, she understood Kairi.

"You hate the Kiryuu bloodline for having manipulated your son is that correct? You believe that Kiryuu and his bloodline are powerful and that you are doing this- eradicating his clan for revenge. No one knows Kairi, but I do."

Kairi turned to her quizzically, she noticed the change in tone and even the lack of honorifics.

Vichette turned away as if lost in a memory. No one knew. No one suspected a thing, but her eyes didn't lie and most days it gave her answers she hadn't even known she wanted or needed to know. So it's no great surprise that she knew many things that others just didn't. She hadn't planned on revealing her knowledge of it, but what purpose did she have for not saying it? In any case, it all led to the truth of the matter.

"You influenced my sister. Shizuka-neesan wouldn't have killed the Kiryuus if it weren't for you. She wouldn't have killed if she hadn't thought to believe you, if you hadn't brainwashed her. She was just part of your plan to get rid of hunters and yet she was put to eternal sleep because of what she did, but here you are."

Kairi leveled her gaze, she was not ashamed of what she had done. Shizuka Hio was a powerful Pureblood, but there had to be sacrifices, casualties were normal and expected when fighting against hunters, especially these hunters. Her only cause for worry now would be how Vichette would react. She had no doubt that if it came down to a fight she could defeat the half pureblood. She was only half after all.

"I admire your resilience and your ability to plan and put things into action, but Kairi I know the truth. I can see it. What your doing isn't out of revenge. You aren't doing this for revenge and the sooner you realized that the sooner everything can go back to normal."

Kairi opened her mouth to protest, to say that there was no other reason for doing this, but before she could say anything Vichette continued, in a somber voice and a gaze that permeated through Kairi's soul she said, "You're scared of them. Afraid. Terrified of Zero Kiryuu."

A/N: Thank you so much for all my readers, reviewers and fans of the story.