Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight. It's the work of Hino Matsuri. The characters are borrowed to give life to this fanfiction that was made for pure entertainment and no money is being generated from this.

Author's Note: I'm really sorry for suddenly creating another fanfiction even though my The Blessing is still on going. It's just that this story has been nagging me. I've wanted to write this story and so I think I must write this, it's only a one shot. I would also like to inform those that are reading The Blessing that I might be on-hiatus for a while because of the conflict in the schedule, (I swear, I'll resign already! Hateful HR! Just waiting for my first year to do so!) because I'm at war with the HR department currently so I do not have the time to write. I promise it's only about a week or two. Thank you for your consideration!

My original characters will appear again, because I love the children very much, I decided that they'll be the same character that I'll use in my fanfictions. You're warned.

Author's Trivia: out of nowhere. Just wanted to say the models (physically at least) for the OC's I've made, just in case someone want help for their imagination. Anne (real name yet to be revealed) is modeled after Kinamoto Nadeshiko of Tsubasa Chronicles or Lamperouge Nunnally of Code Geass, I wanted her with the feminine aura. One that looks well in dresses though her attitude are far more lively and cheerful. Kohaku and Akira are well, of course, after little Kaname but I sometimes imagine Akira to look like Aram of MeruPuri, another one of Matsuri-sensei's work (I love it! It's Shoujou of course, yes there was once a time when I was a bit innocent…), and Suiren and Naoto looks like Faye of Tsubasa and Chii of Chobits (yeah, I'm a fan of Clamp, but I have yet to read all of their works.). Yeah, that's it. It's only the visuals though but I've made their characters differently (obviously,). Hope it helps!

I hope that you'll also like this simple story. I just wanted this type of scenarios. Ohohoho~! Because first and foremost, I'm a woman of passion and romance and so I'm a sucker for heart-breaking story with lovely endings!

I hope you'll enjoy it~!

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

The Vow for Two Worlds

By Meguminiwa

"Anne-chan! Natsume-kun!"

A cheerful and melodious voice filled the elegant hallway of the Kuran Castle where a pair of twin, a boy and a girl, were walking. They turned their heads, sending a wave of wavy dark brown locks to sway slightly, to look at the cheerful vampire who called out to them. Their beautiful lilac eyes met the animated sight of their aunty whom they didn't see for a few months.

"Aunt Yuki!" the young girl, Anne, joyfully exclaimed, "You're here! You made it!" she said as she run back to hug her aunt.

"Of course! I will not miss it for the world!" Yuki bent down to meet and hug her beautiful niece, "I have brought many presents for the both of you! Just wait for it!" she then turned to the young boy who only walked silently to meet her, "How are you, Natsume-kun? Have you been well?"

The young child only nodded and gave her a lazy smile which vanished just as soon as it has come. It would have been quite rude to show such indifference after a bright greeting but the older brunette didn't mind. Yuki knew her nephew's disposition, her eyes turned somber but her smile never left her. He's been much changed since that day.

"Where's uncle Taku?" Anne asked about her aunt's husband.

"Oh, he came directly to greet brother," Yuki answered as she stare intently on her niece's and nephew's face, trying to ascertain if they're well, making sure they're not being neglected though she knew her brother attended to their every need. Still, she wanted to make sure they're not too lonely.

"Will the others come as well?" Anne asked next.

"Of course, everyone will come for sure. Even Ichiru will come." She added brightly though she regretted it as she saw the children stiffen visibly.

"I see, that's… that's good." Anne said as she tried to smile though her eyes wanted to cry at a reminder.

There was silence and without words, Natsume walked away.

"Ah, Natsu!" Anne called out as she watch her twin walk away, "Yuki-bachan, I-,"

"It's okay, go to your twin. I'll just go and greet brother." Yuki assured, understanding the children, smiling apologetically. She should have known that ten years were nothing to wash away the pain caused by a most beloved person's passing.

Anne only nodded before running after her twin. Yuki watched them with sadness, wondering when they will be able to let go.

Or if they can.

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"Natsu!" Anne called after her twin who only continued to walk, not even sparing her a glance, "that's rude you know," she lightly scolded as she slipped her hand into Natsume's.

"…"

The two continued to walk in silence, their footsteps resounding inside the castle. It was quiet and too early in the morning (almost noon) for them but there is already nothing to do anymore. Their birthday is just three more days from today and everyone is busy preparing for it because it will not be held in the castle but in some other place as per tradition since ten years ago.

She looked at her twin as she remembered how their official 2nd birthday or rather, 20th in mortal years, ended when it was held inside the Kuran castle. When Natsume saw the decorations on that day, that the others painstakingly prepared intending to give them a happy surprise after their tragedy, he went on a fit of rage, sending everything in glorious chaos.

Her exquisite face twisted to that of melancholy. She couldn't blame him then though she felt guilty and apologetic to all who prepared that party for them knowing they only wanted them to be able to celebrate the date of their birth, to congratulate them in formally aging after waiting for it for ten years, to remind them to be happy despite their adversity but it's really hard to feel any happiness when you've just lost one of the most important people in your life.

It will be their birthday in three days' time but it is their otou-chan's death anniversary in two.

She unconsciously squeezed her brother's hand at the reminder as she fought the tears intending to form at the thought. It seems like yesterday basing on the pain they're feeling. It's tearing her heart. It's choking her.

She once heard that time will heal anything but it seems impossible. The agony seems eternal.

He went away that day for an important mission against their terrible grandfather. He said he'll be away for only a while. He said that he'll be back, that he can't possibly miss their important day, and that he even prepared a surprise for them.

"I'll be back soon, I promise."

She can still remember his last words, the tone of his voice, his smile for assurance, his lilac eyes saying sorry, his soft lips as he kissed them goodbye, his hunting attire, his retreating back, and how the wind slightly ruffled his unique silver hair before he go.

She remembered sulking slightly, knowing her otou-chan and his consistent strikes of being late at every gathering or appointments. For all she knew, he might come back by tomorrow evening when their birthday party is almost finished. She was a bit angry then but now, how she wished he's just been late. Now, she wouldn't have minded not receiving anything on their birthday or him missing the entire celebration, or even him forgetting about it altogether as long as he comes back again.

Just as long as he comes back.

But he didn't.

"I miss him too, you know." She quietly muttered to her twin as they both halted their steps.

Natsume, the exact copy of their father except for their eyes which they inherited from their beloved otou-chan, turned to his only sister and looked at her eyes that bravely fought the tears threatening to shed. Her sadness mirrored his own but he's able to hide it better in his expressions though his actions screamed his bitter sorrow.

"Don't cry, moron." He said as he pinched his twin's cheeks.

It was hard but she still smiled at him, "Ne Natsu, when Ichiji comes, please at least look at him. He'll be sad if you continue to ignore him." She continued when he let go of her and she watch as her twin gave her a slight nod then hugged her for a while before they continued on their way to nowhere in particular.

After their daddy's death, they found it hard to look at their uncle, their otou-chan's twin brother - his exact copy - without crying. The pain of wanting to see his image but knowing that he's not there though you can clearly see it stabs painfully at them repeatedly. It's enough to cause madness. She knew that it's exactly for this reason that their uncle rarely comes to see them; he wanted them to move forward though it's hard. Every time she sees him, she had to tell herself multiple times that he's not her 'otou-chan', that their own silverette parent was already gone.

They knew exactly what to do, they've been told to let go of it many times, they knew but their hearts are stubborn and are not easily persuaded. She didn't want to admit it but deep inside her, there's a very small hope she kept buried, that someday her otou-chan will pass through those doors again, then he will apologize because he was late again, he'll show that smile which only few has ever had the fortune to see, the smile they get to see as a wonderful privilege of being his children while he cooks whatever they please to make up for his lateness again.

She knew she should stop her daydreams; she's only hurting herself further but she found that she can't.

Every time she walks inside the halls and rooms of their castle where his memories are everywhere, she found his silhouette in every corner, his scent in the air, the sound of his laughter behind her, and his presence never leaving them.

Never forgetting.

Never letting go.

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The door to the study opened even before he could knock. It revealed the serious pureblood diligently and quietly going over his paper work.

"Kaname?" the blond entered the gloomy study, readying his smile in hopes that it can somehow lighten the dark atmosphere that seems to hung around his friend ever since that day he lost his mate, "We're here! I have some souvenirs for you! I told you, you should have come with the twins! It was wonderful there!" Ichijou Takuma cheered very brightly, already going over behind the pureblood to draw the curtains to let some light enter the room.

"Welcome back, Takuma." The brunette quietly greeted, not even looking up from his work.

The blond came up behind him when he noticed an opened letter with a very familiar seal. He took it, "May I?" he asked for permission to which Kaname just nonchalantly waved a hand. He read the contents then sighed, "They still haven't given up?"

"Apparently not, they kept sending letters to petition my remarrying. The elders say that it's for the good of the children." He explained, pausing from writing for a while as if pondering if it's really better for Natsume and Anne to have some attention and care his late spouse used to provide.

When Takuma caught this, he asked, "Kaname, you know it's not in my place to say, but are you actually considering marrying Sara?" disbelief evident in his voice.

"…. I'm just thinking if the children would be much better off with a mother by their side…" he, of course, knew that the council doesn't have their best intention at heart and are only forwarding the match for their own greed. He also knew that Sara is nowhere near motherly and caring, but what he's considering is remarrying in general though his stomach lurch at the very thought of someone taking Zero's place by his side. He can't do it…

When the blond caught the pain that unconsciously passed through his friend's eyes, he sighed sadly, "Don't push yourself, Kaname. I'm sure the children would, first and foremost, be wishing for your happiness and as such, your remarrying without love will only hurt them," 'and I'm pretty sure Natsume-kun would go ballistic,' he thought but he didn't voice it. That goes without saying.

"You're right." The brunette smiled sadly.

"What are you still doing, anyway?" Takuma bent over to look at his work, "That's work for next month, Kaname! Why are you doing it in advance? You should be preparing for the twin's birthday, it's their formal 3rd birthday you know, we must have a blast!" he insisted. He even made sure that the council will not send any more work for Kaname to make sure he'll enjoy it with his children.

"I'm almost finished…" the brunette said impassively, then sighed, "and while we're on that subject, can you suggest any place where we can hold the celebration?"

"What? You still haven't decided that? It's only about three more days!" the blond asked, clearly exasperated. He cannot believe that Kaname could be so unprepared considering it's his beloved children's birthday.

"… I've been busy…" was the pureblood's only answer.

Takuma only looked at him. His eyes turning downcast as he inwardly sighed. It seems not even his cheerfulness could provide any positive effects to his dismal friend. Kaname has always been busy especially when this time of the year comes. He looked at his friend, he's wearing black again. It's all he's ever worn since that day.

As if he never stopped mourning.

He took a deep breath before smiling again, valiantly trying to at least deliver some happiness in his king's melancholic world. "How about here?" he began suggesting.

"No, I already asked the children but Natsume is really adamant in never celebrating here again." He supplied quietly.

"Oh, I see." He stopped to think about where they could celebrate their prince and princess' birthday when Kaname willed the door to open again to reveal many of their friends who have already arrived just in time to help for the occasion.

"Hello, nii-sama!" Yuki immediately went to greet Kaname and bent down to kiss her brother's cheek. "I met the others! They've just arrived as well."

"How have you been, Kaname-sama?" each of the noble vampires greeted their king. They all came together to provide assistance to prepare for the party, knowing that their leader might not be able to do it by himself.

His cousin, Shiki with his wife Rima came in, followed by Ruka with her husband Kain, their cousin Aido with his husband, Ichiru, and their child, Fuji, all came inside and filled his earlier silent study.

Kaname lifted his head from his work to look at them. He only lingered on his brother-in-law for a bit to give him a slight nod for a greeting, "Thank you all for coming." If there was pain in seeing the same visage he missed terribly, he did not show it.

"Don't worry about it, Kaname-sama. Now, where should we send all the arrangements to be set up on time?" Ruka asked, being the one with the most able taste in preparing things for such occasions, she'll be the overall in charge of the preparation.

"Ah, regarding that, maybe you have a suggestion? Kaname has been quite busy," Ichijou answered the question with a look in his eyes that everyone understood.

"Err, is that so?" Ruka managed to hide her unease and wondered aloud, "Let's see…"

The entire study then fell into a thoughtful silence as they contemplated where they could hold the event. Each of them offered their ancestral homes when a little voice that came from a boisterous kid, who's the exact copy of his father but with silver hair and lilac eyes, resounded in the room, "Ah uncle, if you want maybe we can go to the old forgotten castle of the Aido's!" he excitedly suggested.

"What castle are you talking about, Fuu?" Hanabusa, the new head of the Aido household, asked his only son. His electrifying aquamarine orbs were trained on his troublemaking devil with warning.

"You don't know about it, papa, because it was only recorded in one of the journal of one of our ancestors," the child proceeded with caution. It's important that he can persuade them to take his suggestion since he's been dying to solve the mystery surrounding that forest, "there was an abandoned castle owned by the Aidos in this area," he pointed in a map he took out from his backpack, "it's in a secluded area, it's still in good condition, there's only a little cleaning needed ('if you have a hundred hands,' he inwardly thought but they're not supposed to know that.), and a new scenery! It will be perfect."

"And how did you know all that?" Hanabusa asked the little silverette, staring intently as he saw him stiffen with a sweat escaping from him, "Fuu?"

"I just… checked it… a bit…" Fuu honestly answered albeit haltingly as he turned away to swiftly hide behind the chair his daddy Ichiru is sitting on.

"Fuu! Did you teleport again somewhere in secret?!" the blond immediately stood from his chair and was about to box his son's ear when he spoke again.

"Only for a minute! I swear, papa! Only to check if what the journal was saying is true!" the little silverette replied in a hurry, already readying to escape from his father's hands, "And anyway, Natsu-nii said he wanted to see it when I told him over the phone!" he added but more to convince them.

"Natsume really said that?" Kaname intervened which effectively broke the father and son's little argument.

"Yes, uncle! He said that he has rarely seen a mountain from up close and he wanted to explore one someday!" Fuu supplied enticingly.

Kaname was thoughtful for a moment. He has rarely seen his son express any interest towards anything since that day. He knew he's not one to talk but he wish that Natsu would at least smile again. The same indifferent expression never left his son's face and so he wants to grant everything that might be able to make his children happy.

"Kaname-sama," Hanabusa started, a bit worried. He knew his son, he must have an ulterior motive to be suggesting that place but before he could refute, his king has already consented.

"Then Hanabusa, is it alright with you if we use your property to hold the event?" the pureblood asked him.

Fuu had to fight the urge to dance in glee because of his victory. He'll just tell his cousins later on so they can cover up for him. As always.

"Of course, Kaname-sama, but will it be good? We haven't inspected the place yet and we'll still need to clean the place and such. What if a problem arises?" the blond nervously and worriedly voiced.

"There's no need to worry. There has been no place set yet but everyone has been preparing all the necessary things for it. We'll deal with whatever problems may be accordingly once and if any will happen. We're ready to leave at any time. We can already leave later in the evening to allot us more time for the arrangements." He then stood up, "Well, perhaps we should leave already. The children must be already bored anyway. Please see to the preparation, I just need to go to some place for a moment." he continued, already at the door.

"Of course, Kaname-sama," the nobles answered, already knowing where he'll go. Once the pureblood was gone, they all stayed quiet only for a while before sighs escaped from all of the adults making Fuu's inner victory dance stop.

"It's been ten years already, huh?" Yuki muttered to herself, not knowing that the pureblood just outside the door still heard it.

Kaname quietly stood outside the door for a minute before proceeding outdoors to go to the garden.

'Ten years already?' for him and his children, it's a surprise that it's only been ten years as it felt like a century already basing on how slow the agonizing and wretched days has gone by yet the pain feels like it's only been there yesterday.

That day, everything stopped for him. Time stood still and he was left to float in the void that his mate's disappearance created. He's always wondering why the bond didn't just take him as well. That would have been much easier, rather than to walk this empty life without his ultimate happiness by his side.

He's already outside, walking even under the proud sun. It's really too early for a vampire like him and he should be resting soundly but sleep also avoids him and he feels like he'll go insane if he stayed anymore in that large bedroom he used to share with his husband.

He looked up to find the sun shining so brightly, not feeling the burn he should be having being a creature of the night because of the gift of his lover's blood in his body. The power within the most intoxicating blood he used to taste gave him the ability to do what he dreamt of; to walk under the light of the day but it all seem so meaningless now. Without Zero, he has no use for the ability. He'd rather stay in the shadows with Zero by his side rather than under the light without his hunter. It's so pointless.

He walked slowly and soundlessly towards the garden - to his lover's rose garden. It's a gift he gave Zero in the earlier part of their marriage as he saw exhaustion on his face at the attention he received for being part of the royal family. He long knew Zero wanted a peaceful and ordinary life but he sacrificed it all to be with him that's why he gave him a private place where no one else but he and their children are allowed to enter.

He opened the low decorative iron gates and entered the pergola which led to his garden to go to his tomb. Of course, unlike purebloods like him, normal vampires turn to ashes once they died and so he couldn't even bury the remains of his beloved. Using the Kuran's royal crypt was useless so instead, they just erected a tomb as a memorial for him; a Celtic cross bearing his name. A symbol of Kaname's undying love.

At first, he refused to have it made. He couldn't because it would seem like he's acknowledging that he's really dead, but after seeing his children's lost look, very much like his own, he decided that it would help their stability somewhat. This became a place where they could always go whenever the loneliness felt too unbearable to handle; at least, there was somewhere for them to go though it did very little for him…

The pain is still present, it never went away. He just learned to bear with it.

It was still the same as that day when he felt their bond break and die, signaling the end of his mate's life. He felt cold and hollow. He was breathless. Fear gripped him as dark suppositions crept and treacherously snaked inside him. Suddenly, everything went dark. He might have turned mad at that moment, almost killing Kaito, who later reported what happened simultaneously confirming his fears and killing his hope.

He remembered running around the castle, blind to everything but his misery, searching for that familiar figure that he was so used to seeing. He looked for his easy movements in the kitchen, his solemn expression as he read by the window of the library or peaceful slumber on the couch by the chimney in the drawing room. He opened every room and door but he found none of it. He strained his ears but heard not his footsteps in the hallways. It was empty. He was gone.

And he was left without him.

He stopped his steps at the memory.

How can it be that he was gone?

How can it be that he won't come back?

"Kaname,"

He quickly turned around at the sound though he knew he'll regret it. It's only the sound of a distant memory, and sure enough, he turned to find an empty space.

He swallowed. It's extremely cruel, the way the fates taunt him with his memories.

It's maddening.

How can he even forget? How can he even move forward?

When every detail, every movement, and expression are so vivid that he could almost feel and touch it.

He could still remember it all so clearly. How those soft silver tresses would sway against his pale white skin, the smirk he'll always have whenever he sees his irritation, his rare laughter and smiles that are so dear to him, his peaceful expression as he slept, the blush in his chagrined face when embarrassed, the mesmerizing look in his eyes when he's deep in thought, his comforting scent, the tender note in his voice when he calls his name, the feel and warmth of his soft skin against his never left him.

Memories he treasures,

And kills him inside every single day.

And every time he tries to reach out for it only to feel the cold air in his empty grip, his heart would sink even lower than before.

It's unbearable.

It's cruel.

Why?

Why didn't the world stop spinning together with his last breath?

Why?

Why is it that even under the vast blue sky is he nowhere to be found?

Why?

Why is it that he's still breathing though his heart died?

Why?

"Why didn't you take me with you?" He unconsciously uttered.

It took him a while to continue, not finding the energy to even take another step from where he is but he must. He'll be away for a while so he must visit the garden before he go to try and get all the comfort he could, and so with one heavy step after another, he reached the garden. He was then greeted by the sight of the anchors and the only remaining reason for his continued breaths.

"Ah, chichiue, you're here as well." his little angel greeted him, with brave everlasting lights she's trying hard to keep inside her beautiful lilac eyes. They're the only memento his mate has left him.

Natsume and Anne are both sitting beside the huge cross, arranging the flowers inside the little vases at either sides. His son carefully dusted the grave. It's the only cleaning he's ever bothered doing.

"And so are the both of you." He gave her a smile, "but you should ready yourselves now. We'll be off to your uncle's castle. There are lots to be done. Hurry now, we'll leave in a few hours."

"Eh? That's fast." Anne said, a bit down. She didn't want to leave the castle no matter how painful it is, fearing that she'll forget her daddy's memories. She only consented having the celebration elsewhere for her brother's sanity. She sighed.

"Don't look like that; we'll be back after a few days as always. It will be good for us to have a change of surrounding once in a while," Kaname said, trying to convince his children though he didn't feel like it himself, "Run along now."

Anne nodded before turning back to the grave, "We'll be back, otou-chan! I'll bring some souvenirs if I can!" she cheerfully exclaimed before turning to her twin and taking each other's hand to go back to the castle.

Kaname watched his children go. He's grateful for their presence. He knew that without them, he would have long given up in his life or would have long submitted to insanity. Not even his beloved sister could have prevented it. He heard only their cries and pleas that day, when he was about to take his own life.

As he sat down on the floor, with scattered pieces of destroyed furniture and broken glasses littered on the carpet, with his scythe already in place to decapitate his own head, he heard their small, desperate voices. When he opened his eyes, he saw their scared lilac eyes, their trembling little hands clutching his tattered and bloody clothes, and their tears that soaked their elegant attires they were fitting for their party. He watched his only remaining treasures begged not to be left behind.

He woke up then, as he hugged their trembling bodies, cursing himself as he realized that he just celebrated their births by attempting to commit suicide. He can't believe he has forgotten about them as he was trapped in spiteful malice and sorrow.

It was tragic.

He couldn't do it. For sure then, Zero will not forgive him. If he leaves them now, Zero will not welcome him.

And he'll not forgive himself.

They're his only reason for continuing. They're the only love he has left. They're his treasures, his and Zero's. That's why he still continued to walk even as he stumbles, even when pain keeps on drowning him to bring him back exactly where he started. Still, he endured one miserable day after another, only because of them, his and his lover's most precious fortune.

As he looked at the stone which stood on the ground not containing even a speck of ash from his lover, holding nothing but his name and memories, he let nostalgia wash him even when he knew he'll be lonelier afterwards. Still, his memories are one of the limited happiness he could have.

"I'm really hopeless, Zero. You must be laughing at me or perhaps, you're mocking me right now," he chuckled, feeling more hollowed than ever, "You know, I hate you. Why were you so stubborn then? I hate you for doing this to me. You're really cruel."

"I'll be back soon, I promise."

"Liar," He moved forward to touch the smooth surface of the stone, remembering his last promise, agony in his voice, "Why didn't you come back?" he added in a whisper.

The question was only answered by the howl of the wind that ruffled his dark brown hair, making the trail where a tear had passed on his creamy white skin feel even colder than before.

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

"Gin-san."

The voice of a monk successfully managed to catch the attention of the young man walking by as if searching for something. His silver hair, wet from the spring rain, clung to his pale white skin.

"What are you doing out in the rain? You might get sick." The kind, middle-aged monk called out.

"I'm alright, Atsuya-dono. I'm just looking for Kohaku and Akira." Gin answered. He just finished his duties in the kitchen when he noticed that his two troublemakers were nowhere to be found.

"Oh my, I hope they didn't go outside the barrier. They might have trouble getting back," Atsuya's worried face turned towards the darkened sky, the rain getting heavier by the second.

"I might go out then. I've been searching for them for about an hour but I can't sense them anywhere. They might have gone outside." Gin said as he tried not to let the irritation he's been feeling because of those two devils show in his voice or expression.

"I understand, but come back as soon as you can. It can be dangerous outside." Though when he studied the man's ageless face, he added, "Do you really wish to leave, Gin-san?"

The silverette's conflicted lilac orbs met the older man's understanding black ones. "I think it's better for us to go," he started as he gazed away. He's been thinking about it for a while already even before Motoharu-dono's death.

"Did anyone here wished or asked you to do so?" Atsuya's serious voice made him nervously look up.

"No! Believe me, Atsuya-dono. No one is trying to chase us away. I just think it's better for us to finally step to find out more about our past." He said sincerely. It's true, at least technically. No one is openly hostile to the three of them but he can see weariness and sometimes fear in some of the monks' eyes and he didn't want to see those anymore. He knew of their kindness. He's been taking advantage of it for the past ten years since he came here after all, but every circumstance regarding him and his children are pushing him to finally face whatever his mysterious past may be.

The monk left his shelter from the rain to walk towards the silverette and gently took his hand, "Gin-san, if that is what you truly wish, I will not hinder you. But remember that you'll always find sanctity in this temple. We'll always welcome you back if ever you change your mind,"

"Thank you, Atsuya-dono. You've treated me very well when I have none. I think of you as my second father like Motoharu-dono." He bowed to show respect, "Thank you for your kindness for all these years."

He smiled at the young man, "And I for yours and the children's kindness as well. I'll pray that you'll find your answers and with that, your happiness." He reached out for the young man's face, still the exact same face as that fateful day about ten years ago, not a day added to it.

He could still remember it like it was yesterday. There was a great clamor when their head priest, the late Motoharu-dono, brought back a stranger in tattered and bloody clothes from one of his journeys in the outside world. It was raining hard then like it is right now.

Everyone hurriedly brought all the medicine and bandages they had and found with great surprise that he had no wounds left on his smooth, pale white body. This certainly sent many questions but none was answered even when the stranger woke up as he didn't even remember his own name.

"Motoharu-dono, who is he? Where did you find him?"

"I found him dead on my way back to the temple, quite far from here." Motoharu's lavender eyes were trained on the sleeping stranger.

"You mean you found him dying?" Atsuya corrected him.

"No, I found him dead by the river." This notion send all the elder monks' heads to turn back to their head priest, ascertaining if it's one of his odd jokes for they knew he is quite eccentric.

"What are you saying, Motoharu-dono? Didn't he just wake up moment's ago?" Atsuya's uneasy gaze tried to catch his lilac eyes.

"That's exactly why I brought him with me. I believe he's one of those 'creatures'," everyone but him flinch and moved away from the stranger.

"Motoharu-dono! Then why did you bring him here! We should kill him immediately!" exclaimed one of the elder monks.

"He's dangerous then!" said another one.

"But isn't it a waste to let someone so handsome die?" Motoharu chuckled.

"Motoharu-dono!" exclamations of exasperation filled the room.

"And I feel there's something different about him and can you not feel that?" Motoharu calmly said in the face of opposition. He looked kindly at the stranger who bore the same unique features as him, with pale white skin, silver hair (though he shaved his), and even the violet or rather, lilac eyes they saw when he woke up. He felt they could be related at some point. He thought he was the last one bearing this characteristic so he was happy to have found him, and most importantly, "Can you not feel the life inside him?"

"Life? Inside him? Are you implying he's pregnant?" asked another one of the elders.

"Abomination!" said the other.

"It's a monster!" a terrified exclamation from another.

The loud sound of Motoharu's staff as it met the floor in anger silenced everyone's protests. Atsuya who was left in shocked silence was jarred out of his thoughts at the sound, "Am I really hearing this from you, brothers?" Motoharu asked, with a bit of rare anger in his voice, "Are we not protectors of all innocent lives? We might not know who this man is nor how it even came to be that there should be life within him but nonetheless, we should be protecting all the young innocent lights. They have yet to commit any sins and they shall not carry the sins of their kind should they really be the same creatures that hunted us in the past. This man is not even proven guilty of any heinous crimes just yet so how could you scorn him so?"

The elders all turned away in shame at his words. What he said were all true but fear is the best way to bring out hate against another being, no matter how blameless. They have watched many times as their comrades fell prey to those sharp fangs that consumes life. Isn't it why they're hidden inside Motoharu's barrier? It's only their head priest who can stand against those creatures as it's only he who holds power in his veins.

Though it made sense and no one can stand against Motoharu's words, still, many of the monks became weary of the stranger because of his oddity.

He was called Gin simply because of his hair color and has ever since been under the Head Priest's protection.

Though after a while, he was able to gain their trust. He was recognized as a good kid that works wonders in the kitchen. He's hardworking, quiet and polite.

And he's never bitten anyone. Not in their knowledge anyway, because only Atsuya knew that ever since Motoharu found Gin in cold sweat because of hunger for blood which the he valiantly kept hidden from everyone, the head priest has been offering his own blood to Gin who initially refused but because of the persistent priest's insistence, he wasn't able to resist and drank from his wrist whenever he can't take the hunger anymore.

But still the monks became conflicted because of his abnormal pregnancy. It's not enough that he himself panicked when he was told about it when he finally noticed the bump forming in his low abdomen and the weird sensations he's been having.

He's really a wonder and so are his children. Many of the monks became good friends with Gin. They run around flustered when the time for birth has come. It was a funny sight, when the normally solemn and calm monks panicked as they heard the screams of agony from the normally silent Gin and they celebrated to have found two beautiful young boys were born. They're happy but no one was as blissful as the head priest who treated them like his own grandchildren.

The temple became lively at their arrival and even Gin's hunger decreased until he was able to hold his thirst for about a month instead of every other day.

It was peaceful and cheerful.

Those were the happy days they've spent.

And years passed just like that, Motoharu became older and older until time has claimed him while Gin and even the children seemingly stopped aging and as the years of unchanged appearance became too obvious, many monks' fears have been reawakened. Atsuya smiled sadly.

Time has passed by quickly for them and perhaps, it's time to let go. He looked again at Gin's lilac eyes, as if looking at the esteemed Motoharu's orbs. They're really alike and maybe, he's been right in claiming there might have been a family relation between him and this stranger but whatever may be, Atsuya was glad for their coming as he knew that his most respected mentor died with happiness and contentment. Nothing could be a better gift than that.

"Thank you," Atsuya said sincerely, "for coming here and blessing us with so much happiness, Gin-san."

"Atsuya-dono," Gin could only stare as he watch memories flashed through the dark orbs of the new head priest, "that's my line." he smiled at his second father.

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

He continued his search for the two little missing rascals. He trekked the forest, thinking they might have come near the border where the barrier is. He stopped as he looked at the darkened sky and the falling rain. So it's already been ten years, he didn't know if it has been fast or slow as he felt himself trapped in an unmoving time. He sighed.

He was of course informed that he may be what they called vampires; they're creatures of darkness that feed on blood for survival. He shivered. There was an intense disgust he felt when Motoharu told him and he hated himself especially when he needed to feed on his savior. And even though it decreased a lot when the twins were born, it gave him great relief but wasn't able to give him satisfaction.

He looked at the muddy road caused by the continued pour of the rain as he remembered the hollow pain he had felt inside him. It clawed him that sometimes he found himself panting, trying to catch his breath even when he's not doing anything.

There were nights when he would wake from a nightmare, drenched in sweat. Sometimes feeling fear but sometimes, melancholic sadness and more than the fright, he found that the bitter sorrow shakes him more.

What is it?

Sometimes he felt like someone is reaching out for him. Like someone continuously calling out to him at the other end of a broken bridge.

Who is it?

He would sometimes hear a voice telling him things he knew made him happy but he can't hear it clearly.

When was it?

He looked at his hand and he stared at the plain red ring around his left hand's pinky. It was an incredibly strange ring, one that seems to stick around his skin. It never received any damage, not even scratches even after the hard labor he's been doing every day. There were times when he would only look at it for hours, feeling he might be able to remember what he had lost that day but he would end up slumped at the end as nothing was still revealed but still, he would sometime fancy that he could almost remember familiar caresses, or a rich voice that seek him or a scent that once enveloped him.

He knew he lost something important but how precious was it?

He took out his necklace under the folds of his soaked clothes to look at the ring acting as the pendant. It was his ring which he removed when he noticed that scratches were forming, unlike the simple red one, because of his work. He wore it around his left ring finger. A wedding band.

This always worried him. Did he leave someone important behind?

He was told that he was found dead alone by the river. It seems like he was stabbed in the chest and then fell from a high place based on the blood in his tattered clothes.

Was he abandoned then? Or was he alone in the first place? What was he doing there anyway? What was he fighting? Did they search for him? Did anyone mourn for him?

He would always feel a painful squeeze inside his chest at these thoughts. Sometimes, he could almost confidently say he's been dearly loved but then doubt would fill his being.

He groaned as he closed his eyes.

What happened to him? Who is he?

He looked at the inner side the wedding band where words were engraved:

~ To my other half ~ Kaname and Zero ~

"Kaname… Zero…" he muttered. He only found the engravings two months after he was found. He knew that one of the names could be his but he can't remember. He's also a bit disgruntled at the fact that both names sound masculine.

"…." Was he gay? But he didn't feel anything even after ten years in the company of men. He shook his head.

Well, he also had the bizarre experience of giving birth so he'll be stupid to think it was caused by a woman. He sighed again.

He wanted to find out about his past. The only thing that stopped him from leaving early was his fear and doubts, as well as the sadness he would always see in Motoharu-dono's eyes every time he would hint the idea of leaving. Motoharu-dono never would have stopped him, he knew that but as he can't bear to see his benefactor and savior's sadness, he stayed. He could still remember his last words before he passed away just about three weeks ago.

"Come here, Gin, let me look at you." Motoharu's voice was raspy and weak, only a shadow of his old cheerful and lively tone.

"Motoharu-dono," he said as he gently hold onto his wrinkled hand. Why didn't he notice how old his second father has been? Has it been that long already?

"Gin, I want to thank you for staying with this old man even when I know that your past wanted to claim you. I was happy that you and the children came and stayed," He said as his lilac eyes, now almost white because of old age, reflected nostalgia, "giving me the child and grandchildren I've always been dreaming of," he continued as memories of the past years flashed before his eyes, "but now, as I go, you'll also be free."

"Motoharu-dono, I-," Gin began though he didn't know what to say.

"I knew you were holding back because of me. I knew that you feel indebted because I saved your life that day," the old man cut him off, "but what you didn't know was you saved mine instead." His kind, blissful smile burned tears in the young man's eyes, "I'm sorry. I took advantage of it but I was really happy. Now, you'll be free to chase your past, and I hope that this time, you'll find your happiness as well. Take care of my grandchildren," his raspy chuckles echo inside the quiet room. He then turned towards the two swollen-eyed children of nine though still look (and think) like three years olds, "Akira, Kohaku, do not cry. Grandfather will just finally rest but I'll always be watching over you, wherever you may be. Always remember that you two are grandfather's treasure and pride. Is that clear?" the two bawling children nodded, unable to say anything as tears finally fell.

"Grandfather!" the two kept on repeating as they hugged his body, which shrunk considerably because of age, fearing the time when his last breath comes.

And before the first light of the next day came, Motoharu-dono left the world. A smile playing on his lips.

They mourned the entire time and now, his other father, Atsuya-dono was appointed as the new head priest. Motoharu-dono's barrier was still present. He said it will not vanish even when he died, that it has something to do with his power, the power in his blood that all their family members had which was developed because they were trying to escape from the vile creatures that hunted them in the past.

He looked down at his wrist that was adorned by a bracelet made of wooden beads. It's a protection charm that would hide his aura and scent, a gift from his savior before passing away. Akira and Kohaku received each as well; he said it's a precaution for when they stepped outside the barrier that protected the temple.

"Motoharu-dono…" Gin whispered with gratitude.

He looked up in the sky again, the rain is almost over but it's already getting darker. He must find his children fast before night completely comes.

"Kohaku! Akira!" he shouted their names. With Motoharu's bracelet, it's now very hard for even him to sense their normally very obvious presence.

Later, he found them playing, mud covering them from head to toe. An imaginary vein from his head popped out at the sight of his dirty children.

He dragged them both by the collars of their kimono, lecturing them as they went even during the baths.

"What did I tell you about playing in the mud? Did you know how hard it is to wash your clothes?" he ranted as he scrub them clean, "Where were you anyway?"

The children were silent but answered after a while, "We're hiding from you, otou-chan…" Kohaku suddenly said.

"What?" Gin stopped, surprised.

"Otou-chan, you're planning to leave right?" Akira turned to face him, large burgundy eyes stared up at him, eyes he felt like he knew so well, "Are we going to leave grandfather?"

Gin was silent for a while before answering, "Akira, Kohaku, do you still remember what Motoharu-dono told you two?"

Both of them stared at each other before answering, "He'll be watching over us no matter where we go…"

"That's right. Otou-chan needs to find something but I cannot leave you two here, or would you rather I leave alone?"

"No!" Kohaku immediately refused, tackling the silverette.

"I want to be with otou-chan!" Akira exclaimed as he also hugged his father.

The silverette smiled as he embraced the small bodies clinging to him, "Me too, I want you two to come with me. We can always come back here if you miss it here." Gin softly said, persuading his children. He cannot be without them.

When the two finally nodded, they finished their bath then prepared their things. Slightly anticipating whatever mystery is outside Motoharu's barrier.

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

They watched in silence as rain drops continued to crash against the car's glassed windows. They sat comfortably inside the limousine and currently on the way to their uncle Aido's old forgotten castle.

They were discreetly informed that they'll be told the reason later on by their lively cousin, Fuu, whose genius always seems to cause some sort of mishap or accident.

"How long will the travel be, chichiue?" Natsume looked up to ask his Father, to whom he's currently leaning while his sister slept, leaning on their father's other side.

"I believe it will take about two more hours. Sleep Natsu, so you may have some energy to explore that old castle. Fuu told me you wanted to explore the mountain too, right?" Kaname answered. His arms are around his children to comfort them as much as he could.

"Ah, uhm." was Natsume's only answer. Where did chichiue get that? He internally sighed. No doubt, it's from his cousin. What is he planning this time?

It's already mid-afternoon when they reached their destination. The heavy rain was reduced to mere drizzles.

When the occupants of the black cars emerged from their ride, they stood still in stun silence as they looked up at the castle.

It was like the domain of an evil wizard.

The perfect setting for anyone's worst nightmare.

The adults were silent for a while. Ruka, the event organizer, almost fainted at the horrendous sight of the venue which would have suited a Halloween party instead with vines and moss covering the dark grey stone walls, withered plants with dried leaves littering the whole yard, and its eerie atmosphere that hung in the air.

Not a sign of life in the vicinity.

Hanabusa Aido was frozen for a while, Ichiru still managed to cover his face with his hand, Yuki stood frightened behind her mate while Takuma had a frozen look, a cross between laughter at the disaster and trepidation at an impending gloom, Kain was supporting his wife who's white with exasperation and disbelief. Only Shiki, Rima, Seiren, Kaname, and Natsume looked at it with indifference. Anne and Fuu are ecstatic.

"FUU!" Hanabusa finally exploded when he recovered, breaking the heavy silence. He turned around, his face red with embarrassment and mortification, to find his son who very quickly disappeared, leaving only his silhouette behind.

"Ah, maa, maa, calm down Hanabusa-kun." Takuma attempted to calm down the furious blond, a sweat escaping from him.

"Hana, where's my cute little nephew?" Ruka inquired in a dead tone that made her husband silently pray for his nephew's well-being, "Let me give him a nice pinch and teach him the difference between 'good condition and little cleaning' and major renovation." There was something in her voice that says she just snapped completely.

"Do you think I will not do that?!" the blond cried in shame, almost in tears because of humiliation. He's almost ready to ground his son for half of his life.

A giggle from their princess stopped their hunt for the little devil who suggested the venue, "Now, now uncle, there's no need for such vehemence. I personally love it!" Anne declared excitedly. She loves exploring old castles and this one reeks of adventure and secrets, "Natsu too, right?" she asked as she turned to her twin who just nodded to support her. ('At least, it might not be that boring. This way, it's much more exciting.' was the little boy's thought.)

Kaname smiled as he watched the excitement in his little girl's eyes, "Then it should be fine. We'll hold a private party on their birthday and another one a week after for the nobles so we still have more time. Natsu and Anne don't seem to mind it, so it ought to be fine." He offered, pacifying the blond.

"Kaname-sama, I'm terribly sorry regarding this," Hanabusa apologized, still worrying.

"There's no need for an apology. We're the ones intruding. Thank you for having us."

"Well, shall we go inside?" Takuma suggested, his earlier unease now gone at his friend's easy acceptance of their horrific dwelling, though his wife is still slightly trembling.

"D-darling, there might be some ghost inside. What do I do? I need to go to the comfort room. What if there are dolls in there?" Yuki whispered, near tears already.

"Don't worry, we'll live. It's only for a week or two. It might become better under the light you know." He tried to convince her though he really doubted that there's going to be much improvement at how it looks after the rain and under the sun.

They proceeded to enter the old castle. Kaname willed the lock off then opened the door which sent loud creaking sound to echo. It was completely dark inside and it really did resemble the evil antagonist's lair with all the cobwebs they could see. It looked like it has been abandoned for centuries based on the thick dust-turned-sand and grime that blanketed the whole place.

The maids and helpers that arrived shortly after them all stood in shocked silence at the sight of the castle. The nobles fancy that some even wanted to cry at the state of the place they needed to clean.

The men immediately went to the basement to see if there's any generator present and Ruka was ecstatic that they found one and was able to make it work. Soon, the old castle was illuminated, which greatly relieved the frightened Yuki, and they found that the inside was not as bad as the outside's condition.

Clearly, the previous occupants were able to leave properly as every furniture was covered in white cloths which protected expensive furniture that are still very much usable and even more beautiful as time made them more precious. Aido was mentally thanking his ancestors for their great taste and so was Ruka who found their predicament not as bad as before for the interior proved to be in good condition.

"See? I told them it's still in good condition," Fuu finally appeared between his cousins, "they just don't trust me."

"Just say you really didn't know. Why else would you hide if you really believed it to be better inside? You're lucky this time, you were about to be eaten by Hana-jiji and Ruka-bachan." Anne said, making her cousin swallow ('bingo!'), as they stayed away from the adults who were at once set in cleaning the entire place.

"Did you want to come here so badly?" Natsu spoke this time as he turned to the frozen silverette, "You even used my name. Who said I wanted to explore mountains? Are you stupid?" he added as he pulled his cousin's silver hair.

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Stop it, Natsu-nii!" Fuu whined. His cousin seem to always like to pull his hair like that, not that it really hurts but it stings if continued so he better stop him already.

"So why did you want to come here?" Anne repeated the question.

"Oh yeah, it's because of the odd entry of our ancestors that used to live here," Fuu said, turning serious, forgetting Natsume who's still pulling his hair down, "they were saying something about searching for the legendary Suzaku blood."

"Eh? Otou-chan's ancestors?" this stopped Natsume from mildly bullying his cousin, his attention caught by the story regarding their otou-chan's powerful blood.

"That right! The Aido family was tracking down the mortal descendants from the Suzaku family. They said that they might have hidden themselves deep into the forest mountain that's why they built a castle here. They were intending to catch them."

"Your family is horrible." Natsu commented in a deadpan manner.

"Hey, it's not my family, it's our ancestors. Ancestors!" Fuu defended indignantly.

"Alright, so what happened?" Anne continued to ask, interested with the outcome of the story.

"Well, they never found one that's why they left this castle, centuries ago. Though they strongly believed that the Suzaku's are hiding somewhere in the forest. You know that our blood, because of evolution and power, learned how to naturally hide our scents and auras as to not be detected? I'm thinking that maybe one was able to create a physical barrier that allowed them to conceal not only their scents and auras but their hiding place as well!" Fuu eyes lit up in anticipation as he laid out his theory, "Just think, we might be able to see other Suzakus like us!"

"Ah, but they might not be that happy to see you. You're also a vampire. You know, the creatures that hunted and killed them." Natsu said with a sarcastic smirk, finding enjoyment in bullying his cousin.

"Natsu-nii, please don't crush my dreams like that," Fuu pouted, a bit sulkily.

"But why did you have to drag everyone here? You know, it just caused you your ears and perhaps, half of your life in prison." Anne asked a bit worriedly. She knew her cousin can teleport and he use to sneak out all the time.

"Papa had me under surveillance 24 hours so I can't be gone for more than a minute, when I pretend to be in the bathroom. If I'm caught to be sneaking out again, he'll take away my instruments for experiments and research funds!" Fuu cried in a dramatic and pitiful fashion. He sighed. He can't blame his father though. He's not ignorant of the threats and kidnapping attempts made because of him being a hybrid (a great mix of vampire, human, hunter with the power of ancient mortal blood which is known to grant great powers which the vampires coveted.), though, his cousins being pureblood hybrids, are in much more danger but they're far more powerful than him so he's not that worried (plus, his pureblood uncle will always protect them anyway.).

"Ah, is that so? Well, isn't it because you're also prone to accidentally burning down your mansions because of your experiments," Natsu teased though he knew the real reason.

"Ah, that's right. Isn't it the 4th time?" Anne joined in, wanting to lighten their cousin's mood.

"And just this year too," Natsu continued.

"And it just the start of April." Anne said with pity in her eyes.

"That means, you're endangering your mansion at least once every month." Natsu and Anne shook his head with a 'oh-your-so-hopeless' sighs. "No wonder uncle watches over you very closely." He added, "You're a threat to the fortune."

"Hey, that's not true! I've improved a lot you know!" Fuu cried indignantly.

Anne laughed and patted his head to console him, "Now, now, dear cousin, of course we know you're improving greatly. So what will your plans be for your search?"

"Well, I'll research the area first for any sign of civilization!" Fuu answered with great determination, already forgetting his past failures, "You should come with me. Let's explore!"

"Do it yourself Bakafuu, we're going to be busy to prepare for the day after tomorrow." The dark haired child said, turning a bit serious, "Just count yourself lucky that the adults will be too busy to notice you so do your best." Then added, "Just don't cause a forest fire."

Anne smiled at this and Fuu was preparing to retaliate when Ichiru came in to join the children.

"Fuu," he called out to his son, "your father is looking for you." He said as he kneeled to be on the same level as the small kids, "You're in deep trouble this time."

"What," Fuu pouted, "but everything turned out fine. Anne-nee and Natsu-nii likes the place."

"Do they really?" the older silverette asked. He knew that the twins only covers up for his son most of the time and so was really worried that they might not really like the place and are only doing it so that his son will not get in trouble, "Are you really alright with this place, Anne-chan, Natsu-kun?" he turned to his niece and nephew.

"Yes, Ichiji. I think it's really exciting." Anne answered as she smiled, trying to reassure of his uncle of their feelings and a quiet way of saying that they're happy to see him.

"Don't worry about it, Ichiji, we're not pushing ourselves. I think it's really interesting, this place." Natsume offered as he also gave a small smile to assure his uncle.

Ichiru was surprise when both of the twins turned to him, seeing himself reflected in their lilac eyes. It made him happy. He knew it must still be painful for them but at least now, they're willing to face him. He smiled at his brother's children, "Thank you. I hope that you'll like your stay here then." Then he turned to his son again, "But your father would still want to speak with you and you need to help move your things in your room. All of the maids are busy cleaning this place." He turned to the dark haired twins, "Your room is all set by the way and Kaname-nii is looking for the both of you. I'll take this rascal first," he said as he patted the twins' head before taking his son's hand to lead him to their temporary quarters.

Natsu watched the two silverettes as they go, staring at their silver hair as it danced a bit as they go before turning to the window which reflected his face because of the darkness of the night outside. He reached out for some strands of his dark brown hair then sighed.

"Don't look like that. You'll be cursed if you lament having such good looks, you know. Father will also be sad if he learned you didn't like his hair color." Anne said as she caught sight of her brother's actions. She long knew of his envy towards their cousin's silver hair.

"It's not like that, stupid. I'm proud and happy that we look like chichiue…" Natsu said, still looking at his reflection, "It's just sometimes, I wish I could have inherited otou-chan's hair, so I can tell myself that he'll always live within me."

"But he is, within me and chichiue as well. He'll never go and nothing can make us forget him that's why he'll always live." Anne said as she took her twin's hand and placed her head on his shoulder. "Just be happy that we have his eyes."

"I wish he was here." Natsu whispered.

Anne closed her eyes as she answered, "Me too."

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

'..-ro….-ck….-on…'

There was a flash of familiar dark brown hair dancing elegantly with the wind. He held his breath as the person was about to turn to him. He can almost see his face. He knew it was smiling, but light blinded him and then…

He woke up with a jolt, opening his startled lilac eyes to greet the darkness. He immediately sat up and breathed heavily. He surveyed his surroundings but there was nothing wrong with their ordinary room.

He looked down at the two sleeping children who's sharing his futon. He stared blindly at his son, Akira, currently cuddling his twin's leg who managed to twirl around so Kohaku's head is now resting near Gin's feet, their blanket thrown askew. He was about to reach out to lay them properly again when he noticed that his sweaty hand is shaking.

"What was that? Who?" he whispered to himself, torment in his voice. Why does he feel so afflicted by that dream… or is it a memory? He didn't know but he's dying to find out because he can't bare the pain and agony anymore.

He was still for a moment as he composed his heart that was going wild inside his chest. His dreams were never that vivid. It's the first time he heard a voice though he cannot understand a word of it. He's frustrated. It feels like he knew it, his whole being remembers it even when he has no idea whose it is. It weighs heavily on him that he can't breathe.

He wants to know.

He wants to find out.

He wants to remember.

When he was a bit calm, he took several deep breaths but then he stopped as he felt some auras and caught a whiff of a scent he felt like he can remember.

He felt a pang in his head.

Roses.

He knew he has never smelt it before because none grows in the forest. He only saw pictures of it from the children's book but he strangely knew that roses would smell like that.

He was instantly attacked by several emotions at once.

There was anger, envy, love, happiness, sadness, embarrassment, jealousy, fright, sorrow, excitement, contentment, joy, laughter, fear, longing and then… regret…

Something painful stabbed him. It was like being attacked by an invisible force, he grasped the fabric over his heart as if attempting to stop the suffering, feeling it ready to burst.

He can't breathe.

He panted as something inside him wanted to reach out and be set free and he's grieving at how something seems to be stopping it.

The strong desire to recall painfully clawed his guts and his frustration formed tears at his failure to relive such precious memories.

A tear run down his cheek, feeling a deep lost inside him.

He knew it.

He has lost something extremely valuable and left someone really important to him.

He tried harder to sense the new auras that he felt. They're very familiar lights. He knew the owner of those presences. He couldn't remember but he's sure for if not, then he won't feel this happiness, anxiety or longing, right?

It was hard to concentrate because of his present shaken and weakened condition coupled with the fact that the barrier hinders him so he can't have a clearer sense of the new arrivals.

He got up but he found himself powerless to even support his own weight. He plummeted to the darkness as exhaustion overcame his completely confused and weary heart and mind.

And he collapsed even before he made a step outside of their room.

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

"How was he?"

The question was voiced out by the head priest who just entered the room, bringing in food for the two children who's sitting beside the sleeping figure of their father.

"Atsuya-jiichan," Kohaku immediately ran towards the old man, "what do we do? It seems like otou-chan is suffering." They were extremely scared after finding their collapsed father when they woke up this morning.

The old man came towards the silverette to feel his forehead, "He's running a very high fever. He rarely gets sick." He muttered the last words a bit distractedly, he's very worried because Gin was only ever detained in bed first when he initially arrived and secondly, during his delivery of the twins but other than that, he was never sick. Normal sickness never seems to have an effect in his immortal body.

"Atsuya-jiichan," Akira jarred the old man from his thoughts, "what's happening to otou-chan?"

Atsuya looked at the brunette twins to assure them somehow, "everything will be fine. Perhaps, it's exhaustion or because of yesterday's rain but he shall be alright. He already took the medicine so he will calm down later on. Come now, don't show those expressions, you must provide energy to your father now, of all times."

The children nodded as they replaced their worry with determination.

Atsuya caught sight of the packed bags that was in the corner. "I see you're already packed. I was told you're planning on leaving today but I believe it might be delayed for a bit." He looked at Gin once again, feeling troubled at the look of torment on his face as if he's enduring something extremely painful. What could it be?

When the new head priest left them to ask for more medicine from their head physician, the two continued on to wipe their otou-chan's sweat.

"I wonder why?" Kohaku started, very confused and troubled as he never saw their father sick before. He knew that not even hail or storm could possibly cause such a high fever from their otou-chan.

"Haku, do you think that it has a connection with those new arrivals?" Akira suddenly suggested. They sensed some new auras. At first, they thought it's only their imagination but it quickly grew. Somehow they knew that a large group of creatures like them are gathered somewhere near.

"You think?" Kohaku pondered harder at this. It's indeed such a good coincidence that their father should fall ill at the same time as the strange presences' gathering, "Aki, you think they have some sort of connection with us?" then looking at their father, "with otou-chan?" they were told of their father's past by their grandfather. It's his favorite story to tell.

"It's possible. Did you feel them? Those powerful ones, they smell… like us…." Akira trailed, he's really curious about the identity of these creatures as it might lead to what their father is searching for. His past.

"We should check them later or tomorrow," Kohaku voiced out the plan, "once otou-chan is better, we should see who these visitors are." his suggestion was immediately met with a nod of approval by his twin.

They must find out, for the sake of their father.

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

The old castle in the middle of the secluded area, surrounded by mountainous land which are covered by thick forest is bustling with life as maids, valets, cooks and many hired help fuss over the preparation for their late master's death anniversary and their royal prince and princess' birthday.

They all woke very early, almost abandoning sleep just so they can safely celebrate the special occasion of their little master and mistress' aging as they all waited for ten long years for it to happen but though most are excited, the royal family itself was covered with sad and cheerless air.

Yuki sighed at the sight of his niece's and nephew's clothes. She's helping them unpack their clothes as all the maids are busy with some other things regarding making the old abandoned castle at least presentable. She's currently taking out the children's outfit for tomorrow. It's a complete set of black clothes for mourning. What a thing to wear the day before your birthday. She was almost swept away by sadness. How much longer must they suffer?

A part of her wanted them to let go of the memory of her best friend though she knew it's hard for she, herself, found it difficult not to think of him, how much more for Kaname and the twins?

But if this continued, they would only hurt more. She can't bear to watch them sink more in this gloom but who can save them?

There was no one.

She tried but it only did so much. She's just thankful that Kaname didn't make any more attempt on his own life though the look in his eyes sometimes would reveal that had there been no twins to stop him, he would have done so a long time ago.

It always scares her, the look of death in her brother's eyes, as if he has given up. Sometimes she feels like that he's only waiting for when the twins grow up to be independent before finally going to where Zero is.

She unconsciously clenched her niece's black dress tightly, as if attempting to stop the tears slowly filling her sienna eyes.

"Don't ruin it. Anne-chan will not thank you for that." Takuma's voice stopped Yuki's lamentation.

"Taku," she turned to her husband, finding comfort in his kind, understanding emerald green eyes, "I can't find any other color for their clothes. They only packed clothes in black, grey, and white." She sighed again as her mate walk towards her, "What would they wear for their party? They didn't even buy new clothes for such occasions like other aristocrats normally do."

"Uh, well, didn't you buy some clothes for them while we're in Paris?" Takuma suggested which cheered his wife instantly.

"Of course!" Yuki smiled at him, she was so down that she wasn't even able to think clearly, "though it was already wrapped, I guess I could give it to them early so they can have something colorful to wear on their birthday."

"You can give it to them tomorrow evening, at least after the anniversary already passed. I hope that will make them at least a bit happy." Takuma said softly.

She caught the same sad look in her husband eyes. She hugged him as she uttered a prayer, "I hope something great will happen tomorrow or in their birthday. I really hope that this tragedy can be erased soon."

"I hope so." Takuma whispered as he embraced his mate, strongly wishing that somehow, tomorrow will pass without much sadness or tears.

Hopefully, something is going to be different this year.

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

A groan from him instantly caught the old man's, who was watching over him, attention. Atsuya was immediately by his side and he watch as the silverette opened his eyes to reveal confused lilac orbs.

"Gin-san, Gin-san, can you hear me? How are you feeling?" the worried tone of the head priest filled the room.

"Atsuya-dono?" the silverette's raspy voice asked. He's completely parched so Atsuya immediately helped him to some water and after he drank, "how long was I unconscious?" after remembering a bit of what happened.

"It's been more than a whole day. We're even thinking of taking you to a doctor from the outside as nothing we give you seems to wake you. The children were completely distraught." Atsuya's voice was filled with worry and anxiousness.

At the mention of his children, Gin immediately looked for them, "Where are they? Where are Akira and Kohaku?" he asked as he turned but he found himself alone with Atsuya.

His heart sped at the troubled look of the priest. After a loud silence, Atsuya faced him, "I'm sorry Gin-san. I tried to stop them as it seems dangerous but they insisted to go and take a look at the new auras they seemed to have sensed. They said it might have something to do with your illness. They went outside in search for it."

"What?" the silverette quickly sat up, "Those auras…" he whispered to himself, "Atsuya-dono, I must search for them." He declared, already getting up, concern seemingly giving him energy to stand and look for his twins.

"But you've just woken up. You can't go out like this. Gin-san, wait!" Atsuya said to the young man who only put a haori over his juban, not even bothering to put in any other garments over his undershirt, as he hurried to get out and search for his children.

"I do not know who they are, I must find them." Gin panted as he clumsily made way for the entrance. He knew he's still weak but he must find them first, he didn't know what awaits them but he must make sure of his boys' safety, "if they're headed to that area then I know where to find them…"

"But Gin-san, you do not have the energy to search for them. They'll come back, I'm sure."

"No, I have energy enough to look for them. I know where they went." He said, still not stopping on his way. He also wanted to go to that place to search for his own answer. He went out as fast as his feet could carry him. Even in his weakened state, the old priest could still not keep up and so he was left behind.

While he was unconscious he saw a lot of things, broken flashes that made no sense.

Bite… Blood… Hatred… Snow… Madness… Fangs… Power… Greed… Desire… Love… Caresses… Confusion… Pain… Happiness… Kisses… Light… Night… Roses… Thorns… Wounds… Gun… Shouts… Longing… Rain… Regret… and Death…

He was in a swirl of feelings and emotions that gave him confusion. He felt happiness and sadness, love and hatred, fear and courage, gratitude and anguish but most of all, he felt bitterness and regret.

He heard his own voice utter many apologies, feeling extreme regret, grief and worry.

Why?

Why?

Why?!

Someone explain!

Why do I feel this much pain?

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

He took one silent step after another, his long black coat swings slightly with his dark brown hair because of the strong afternoon wind, following the path that he didn't know where will lead. He really didn't want to go anywhere, he just wanted to take a walk and breathe some fresh air.

He hates this day the most.

It's the day when his bitterness, sorrow, regret and heartache multiply a hundredfold to bring him enough pain to shatter him.

There is no salvation for him.

He knew he would grieve forever and shall curse his own lack of power at being unable to save his better half.

If only he was with him that day.

If only he was not bound by that vile creature as his servant.

If only he knew.

If only he stopped him that day.

If only… If only… If only…

His regrets are endless. He always blamed himself for his incompetence.

He's the oldest, most ancient and powerful pureblood of all but why was he unable to save the one that mattered most?

It's meaningless. All his gift, power and riches.

His life.

All means nothing. Only his children are left.

He'll only endure it until they can be without him.

Because it's torture to walk in this life without his soul.

"Zero." He whispered as he looked up in the afternoon sky, painted in orange and gold. Its beauty lost to him.

He closed his eyes as he took a deep breath, feeling the cool air on his skin, while listening to the wind as it rustled the leaves of the trees but he immediately opened them as he heard stirrings and whispers that are obviously not made by the wind or the plants.

He quickly turned towards the sound and he felt eyes following him. Why wasn't he able to detect them until they're this close?

"Who goes there? Show yourselves or I shall come to you," Kaname said in warning. He felt bothered because he knew something is different with his current stalkers. They must be quite powerful and to be able to hide that aura, they could be dangerous should they turn out to be enemies. "Do not try my patience. I happen to be in no playful mood." He added when there was no answer. "Very well." He said to the silence and in a swift, undetectable movement, he went in to attack his pursuers.

The shock on both sides was clear when Kaname pinned down by the neck his two little visitors. It's surprising enough to find children stalking him but what stopped the pureblood king was their visage, which even happens to be identical to each other, as it looked like his and his son's.

"Natsume?" he immediately thought of his heir though he knew it can't be because they do not have his lilac eyes but instead possesses his own burgundy orbs.

"Ungh!" one of the children uttered in pain as he gasped for air.

Kaname immediately let go of their necks. They coughed hard as they hold on to their own neck. The older brunette stared with great confusion and worry as they both struggled to regain themselves. Who are they?

They looked exactly like him but he knew only his children bear this much resemblance with him and they're the only remaining Kurans. He studied them intently. They wore kimonos and wooden sandals, like they just came from a festival, but their attires are more… common, like it's worn for everyday use. His eyes strayed to the wooden bracelets they each wear; he pinpointed the trinkets to be the reason for their concealed auras and scents.

"Aki, are you alright?" one of them was finally able to speak.

"Uhm, and you, Haku?" the one called Aki nodded and asked back his twin who also nodded.

This exchange forced Kaname to speak as he was unable to utter anything because of confusion earlier, "Forgive me for my rash actions. I'm sorry for hurting you both. I didn't think you're just children."

The young brunettes turned to him with wariness in their burgundy eyes. They're alert while they moved cautiously towards each other as if to protect one another should he attack them again. The alarm, fright and suspicion that he saw in their eyes hurt the pureblood. He wondered if it's because they looked so much like his most beloved son, "I'm sorry. Please don't be afraid. I meant no harm as long as you do not attack me as well." He said softly as he slightly held both of his hands in the air to show them that he's not about to hurt them, "My name is Kuran Kaname. What are your names?"

His introduction seemed to have made an effect as he saw the surprised look of the children at his name.

"Kaname?" they said at the same time before they looked into each other. They remember that name uttered by their otou-chan multiple times, "You're Kaname?" they repeated as they turned to him, their initial wariness was forgotten.

"My, do you know me?" Kaname smiled, feeling relieved at their reaction.

"No, but our otou-chan might," Kohaku answered.

"Your father, who-," he wasn't able to finish his question because at that moment, when the wind blew, it carried with it something he remembered so achingly well. He was petrified for a moment. It's really close. He didn't sense him until he's this close and like the children, it seems like a masked presence but that's not what caught his attention. It's the person's scent. He knows it well, so very well. How could he even forget it when he would envelop himself with this intoxicating scent every day before it was forcibly snatched away from him?

It can't be.

Are the fates currently teasing him?

Are they playing with him?

Are they finally demanding his sanity?

He unconsciously stood up as he waited impatiently to get a view of the person that the end of the path will reveal. He could hear his heartbeat ramming in his ears. It's deafeningly painful but he didn't even notice it as he was occupied by the agony that sliced his heart afresh because of this cruel joke.

He knew it's impossible that Zero should be here now. He knew he's dead. He felt it. Their bond broke that day; it meant only one thing as a bond can only be broken through death. It's the irrefutable proof that even he wasn't able to deny (though he tried to run away from it) so how could it be that his scent is near?

He could almost feel the disappointment that he'll inevitably feel after seeing the person approaching them but he still can't stop his anticipation. He told his heart not to hope.

Don't even think about it.

Don't hurt yourself further.

He knew that but his heart still continued to beat furiously, taking his breath away, hoping and wishing for only one familiar image to appear on the path from the mountain forest.

And then he saw him.

Everything became soundless. He didn't hear the rustling of the trees, the wind, the dried leaves being slightly carried away at his feet, the children's calling or his heart that seemed to have stopped beating.

He wasn't even able to utter one sound as he watched the young man, with his silver hair clinging to his temple and forehead because of sweat, panting while wearing a familiar worried expression on his handsome face. He couldn't tear his eyes away nor make any movement. He was nailed to where he was, afraid that the beautiful image upfront will just suddenly shatter and leave him as alone as ever.

He didn't want to do anything for fear of waking just to find out that he's still stuck in his own nightmare. He knew something must be wrong here but he couldn't help but be seduced by his image.

Even just a little, let him look at his silverette. Even for just one more time.

He knew he'll never have enough but it's better than nothing. He knew it's like drinking salt water to quench one's thirst, doing such will only make one's craving even stronger than before but he can't help but be drunk from the sight.

He didn't dare move a muscle, not even to wipe a tear that formed and shamelessly dropped from his eye. He stared unfalteringly at the image of his beloved. Everything else was lost, the children, the plants, the air, the Earth.

There's only him.

When the stranger, Kaname, suddenly fell in shocked silence as he stared at the bend at the end of the path that leads to the forest. They followed his gaze, confused at his heartbreaking expression. They called out to him but to no avail, it seemed like he even forgot about them.

The twins was about to go near him to yank him awake from his trance when they saw their father emerged from the trees.

"Otou-chan!" they both exclaimed as they ran fast towards him.

Gin turned at the sound. He's completely exhausted even just from plainly walking from the temple till here and was already leaning on a tree for support. He saw his twins run to him with great worry at his present condition.

"Otou-chan! Otou-chan! You're awake," Akira said he wrap his little arms around his father's leg. "We were so worried! You should have stayed in the temple."

"Otou-chan, you're pale! We should go back, you should rest," Kohaku said very fast, relief and worry filling him.

Gin smiled weakly at the sight of his children, "I'm fine, just a bit weakened. Why did you go out of the barrier? That's dangerous…"

At these words, they remembered the man they just met that may or may not have a connection with the Kaname, the person's name engraved on their otou-chan's ring.

"Ah, otou-chan, you know we met someone. He might be the one you're looking for. His name is-," Akira began but his words seemed to have been lost on Gin as well because when his father looked up to see who he was pointing at, he was also stunned to silence.

The silverette started at the sight of the man standing a few feet from them. He knew he was there but he wasn't able to take a good look at him before as his gaze, which was weakly trained to the ground, was then snatched by his children. Only now was he able to lift his head to glimpse at the man whose aura he followed.

Once again, broken flashes of his memories attacked him and the great force it brought with it shook his already battered mind. He only barely heard his twins called out to him as he looked at the brunette who shares his sons' face. Who? I know you. I know I did. But when? Who are you?

"Otou-chan, did you hear Aki? You know, that man is also called Ka-," Kohaku's words were drowned by the memory of his own voice.

"…-na-…"

"-me," he finished before he tumbled to unconsciousness yet again.

(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)

Dang it! It turned out to be too long, I'll put in the Part two next... next time... next time.
Hope you enjoyed it anyhow. Ｏ(≧∇≦)Ｏ