Disclaimer: I do not own R+V.

Prologue

Tears streamed down Akasha Bloodriver's face as she cradled the bleeding form of a four-year-old boy in her arms. His family had been attacked by a flock of master-less vampires and they had suffered dearly for it. The fact that the boy was still breathing was an amazing feat, even to the usually unflappable vampire queen. Staring at the brunette, she cooed softly to him, trying to keep him calm and from unleashing any cries or tears. She knew she could deal with it, she had a three-year-old daughter after all, but it was not the time or place for it. He needed to not give them away. She didn't know whether his attackers were still around and didn't want to find out.

"Hush now little one," she whispered to him. "Hush now little one, return to your slumber."

Her voice seemed to soothe the infant and return him to his sleep. Relieved that he would no longer be a target for the possible remnants of the force, she leaned in, nipping him on the neck ever so gently, before she slipped away. Clutching him tightly, she made her way back to the waiting car. Her driver watched her closely as she approached, in response to the question in his eyes; she lifted her index finger to her lips, indicating the need for silence.

Opening the door for her, he ushered her inside before shutting it and heading to the driver's seat. Starting up the car, he pulled away from the location, making sure that no one noticed their presence at the scene.

"Ma'am, you know that he'll be reported missing. They'll be sending the police out to find him," the driver offered solemnly.

"I know," Akasha replied, ignoring the worry in his voice. "However, I'm taking him all the way back with me."

Nodding in understanding, the driver stopped his questions and allowed his mistress to refocus on the boy beside her. Doing just that, Akasha lightly brushed a few strands of chocolate brown hair out of the boy's face. She knew that Issa would accept him. He'd be allowed to grow up within a family. Letting that thought soothe her guilt for not arriving sooner, the vampire queen watched the city pass by her as they proceeded to the Shuzen manor.

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"Milady, what is this?" one of the maids inquired as Akasha entered the manor, the sleeping boy held tightly to her chest. "You've brought a human here?"

A glare from the vampire queen's emerald eyes stopped the flow of questions and left the maid shaking. This was not something she should be so questioning of. Clearly, she had overstepped her boundaries. Bowing in fear and apology, the maid swiftly scurried away, determined not to face the wrath of her mistress.

Alone, Akasha preceded the rest of the way to Issa's quarters unhindered. And if anyone had even thought of hindering her, the narrowing of her eyes and ferocious glare were more than enough to scare them off. Reaching the tall doors that identified her lover's private quarters, she knocked softly, hoping that Gyokuro had not joined him for a night of pleasure.

She scowled as she thought on that. The minx had seduced him and got herself impregnated, leading to the birth of Issa's youngest child, Kokoa, who was (for some sick reason) exactly a year younger than her Moka. Though, Akasha could never hate the darling little girl.

Her desire to be with her father had shocked Issa initially; all the others had gravitated to their mothers; however, he took to Kokoa like no other. The thought of seeing him playing with the red haired vampire child made Akasha's trepidation melt away. If she could just explain to Issa why she brought the child, he would accept him.

"Akasha, you don't have to wait out here like that. I always have time for you," the voice of the aforementioned man called to the vampire queen, her eyes widening in shock as she noticed him standing before her.

His elegant figure enveloped her vision as she looked up to meet his eyes. The scraggly facial hair and long dark locks that always drew Akasha's attention were nothing compared to his dark crimson eyes. His eyes always seemed to reveal his emotions, at least before his tryst with Gyokuro, however, nowadays they were dark and clouded, very clouded. The only time they seemed to return to their expressive nature was when he was with Kokoa.

Pushing those thoughts from her mind, Akasha returned her focus directly to Issa. She needed to speak with him immediately about the boy. However, her nervousness about Gyokuro being in the room kept her from speaking. Shaking her head in frustration, she felt Issa tentatively place a hand on her shoulder.

"Akasha is everything alright?" he asked her, the worried tone emanating from him catching the vampire queen.

"Is Gyokuro with you?" she finally managed to ask.

Issa looked at her with confusion dancing in his crimson eyes. The question was clearly not one that he had been expecting, and Akasha began to fear the worst.

"No, she's not with me. I just finally managed to get Kokoa into bed actually," he answered her. "What's wrong Akasha? What do you need?"

A breath that she hadn't realized that she was holding escaped from Akasha as soon as she heard that. Excitement coursing through her, she stepped past the still confused Issa and walked into his quarters. As soon as she reached his desk, she found the chair that she loved to lounge in and sat down.

"I have something very important I need to speak with you about," she said quickly, watching as Issa shut and locked his door behind him.

Before anymore words could be said, the bundle in her arms began to cry. Startling both of the vampires, Akasha started to hum soothingly to the boy she was holding. As she continued to attempt to soothe the boy, she didn't notice that Issa had walked over to her side.

"I'm assuming there's a story here," he mumbled, scratching his beard as he looked down at the child.

"You've got to let me keep him here," Akasha burst out. "His family was killed by one of the master-less. He would've died if I hadn't found him."

"He was bit, wasn't he?" Issa inquired as he turned to go settle into his chair.

"Thankfully, he wasn't," the vampire queen sighed. "I managed to arrive and chase off the vampire before he was bit. However, he sustained numerous injuries from the fire that was lit in his home."

As she carefully removed the coverings, Issa let out a gasp. She knew what his reaction would be. Despite his tough demeanor, children were a soft spot for him. In fact, protecting a group of children during the final days of the campaign against Alucard had nearly cost him his life.

"How is he still breathing?" Issa demanded after he regained his composure. "That should have killed him."

He paused for a moment, his face showing the conclusion he reached.

"Akasha, you didn't?" he inquired, the vampire queen smiling sadly.

"I gave him a minor dose; enough to keep him alive at least," she said solemnly. "It will wash out of his system in two days. It is nothing for you to worry about Issa."

"It is something for me to worry about. You and I both know that a human coming into contact with Shinso blood could cause irreversible damage," Issa countered.

Akasha gave him a sheepish smile. She had forgotten the risk that she had placed the boy in when she saved him. However, the fact that Issa hadn't requested the boy be removed gave her hope. Clutching him tighter, she focused her eyes on Issa.

"So, since I've injected him with some of my blood I can keep him here and look after him?" she inquired.

"Not at all," Issa responded instantly. "There's no way that I'll allow a human boy to grow up here under your supervision."

Akasha was ready to put up a fight. Her cheeks puffing out as she prepared to lay down her best pout. However, before she could put her actions into play, Issa spoke up, leaving her stunned and speechless.

"He'll be raised by me."

The answer was not what Akasha expected. It was not what she expected, and it showed on her face. She could feel her mouth dangling open in a very unladylike fashion.

"You'll raise him?" she inquired, trying to make sure that she had heard correctly.

"Yes Akasha, I'll raise him," Issa replied. "If he's to stay here, he'll need to learn all that there is about our culture and what he's been brought into. And, I want to keep an eye on him. You injecting him with some of your blood was a dangerous move. One that I hope doesn't come back to bite us."

Akasha nodded in understanding. She knew that Issa probably had more to his reasoning, but the answer he had given her was satisfactory for the time being. Looking him directly in the eyes, she prepared to ask one last question. It was a question that would end up defining the boy's life.

"You're going to make him her knight, aren't you?"

End Prologue

A/N: Okay, so here is the prologue for my newest Rosario + Vampire fic. I'm quite excited to be sharing this one as well. After all, this is going to be a big undertaking. This fic will be taking place in an alternate universe where the cultures of the different youkai races are far more pronounced and the Hyakki Yagyo from Japanese folklore is a very prevalent ideal.

At the same time, this fic will attempt to make some interesting changes to the relationships amongst the characters. Not all of them will be liked (by many people), but all of them are exciting for me to write about. So, until next time, I hope you enjoy.

Nanashi