Chapter 1- Fate is One Cruel Bitch

The existence of vampires became public knowledge just after the great war. With over 18 million humans dead, the vampires of Europe and Asia petitioned their leaders, begging for something to be done. Over the coarse of four years, the human population had plummeted drastically, causing a veritable food shortage for the vampires. With the additional threat from the vampire hunters, the already war torn European and Asian vampires were desperate for assistance.

The rulers of the vampires, the King and Queen, called all their Lords together to discuss the growing discourse amongst their kind. With the advent of newer and more invasive technology, it would only be a matter of time until the vampire's closely guarded secret existence was exposed. The vampire hunters that had plagued them for centuries knew, but the greater population of the world remained blissfully unaware that they were living along side mythical creatures.

With all signs in Europe and Asia indicating that a second world war was emanate, the vampire's decided by a majority vote to announce their presence to the world. On November 15, 1920 at the first general assembly of the League of Nations in Geneva, vampires made themselves known to the human leaders of the world.

Over the course of the next decade there were numerous conflicts and failed treaties between the humans and vampires. Once the vampires announced their presence, the vampire hunters soon followed suit. The human leaders quickly turned to these knowledgeable humans for counsel. Though the leader of the hunters was against the indiscriminate killing of vampires, the greater majority of vampire hunters despised vampires and wouldn't hesitate to destroy the species entirely. This sentiment greatly affected the human world leaders and by the end of the decade, the 'War of the Species,' was declared.

From 1930-1933 all of mankind declared war on the vampire race. Vampires that had come out and made themselves known in the past decade were slaughtered mercilessly. Like wise vampires that had been against the announcement to the humans in the first place retaliated ten fold, wiping out entire cities. It was a veritable bloodbath of epic proportions.

Disgusted with the fighting and wanting to end the conflict once and for all, the Vampire King and Queen stepped in. They offered the humans a final ultimatum, either end the war immediately or they would be forced to unleash the 'wrath of nature' upon mankind. The human world leaders did not agree to the vampires' terms, and so the King and Queen made good on their threat. Overnight four major world cities were attacked by hurricanes, fires, floods, or earthquakes. The vampiric royalty warned that if the war did not end, then the 'wrath of nature' would continue. After four more cities fell victim to the same treatment, the human world leaders agreed to end the war.

On October 31, 1933 leaders of the humans, vampires, and vampire hunters convened in London for a peace accords and to layout the foundations for co-existence. However a religious group of humans that hated the vampires sighting them as 'unholy beings' and admonished the human world leaders and hunters for 'pandering to the devil,' bombed the venue. The resulting blast instantly incinerated everyone and everything within a square mile.

In the blink of an eye the world had lost it's leaders, however a new generation of leaders quickly took their place and once again gathered to discuss the future. After over a month of heated debate, the Unified Species' Treaty was signed on January 1, 1934. The treaty listed guidelines necessary for the peaceful coexistence between the two species. Additionally the treaty created the Hunters' Organization, a global police force designed to uphold the treaty for both vampires and mankind. It would be headquartered in New York City, United States of America and Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The treaty laid out new guidelines that every vampire must adhere to:

1. No vampire shall kill a human.

2. No vampire shall harm a human in anyway without the human's consent.

3. No vampire, with the capabilities to do so, will create another vampire without full disclosure, proper approval, and documentation.

4. No vampire, with the capabilities to do so, will use "magic" or other supernatural abilities in a violent way unless in self defense.

5. No vampire will attempt to take away a human's free will in any way.

In return for their cooperation, the vampires were protected by the treaty:

1. No human shall kill a vampire unless in violation of the Unified Species Treaty, and then only a certified hunter is permitted.

2. No human shall harm a vampire in anyway without the vampire's consent.

3. No human shall discriminate against a vampire regarding employment, housing, or care.

4. No further research shall be conducted for the purposes of vampire extermination.

5. No human will attempt to discover the identities of the vampire lords or royalty.

If a human was found to be in violation of the treaty, the hunters were required by law to hand the offending human over to the area's ruling vampire lord. If a vampire was found in violation of the treaty, the hunters were tasked with their punishment which depended upon the severity of the crime. The treaty allowed for each species to handle their own kind. If a vampire wronged another vampire, the hunters would not become in involved. Likewise, the humans maintained their own laws amongst humans without the assistance of the Hunters' Organization.

Due to the highly public nature of their jobs, the hunters became the celebrities of the day. The faces of the most famous hunters adorned children's lunchboxes and propaganda posters. The training to become a hunter was rigorous and competition was fierce. Because hunters were now seen as the peacekeepers of the world, many vampires even began to revere the new generation of hunters.

The world may have been aware of vampires for fourteen years, but the vampire hunters had known of their existence for centuries. There were long standing feuds and scores left unsettled when the treaty was signed. Most hunters adhered to the guidelines laid out by the treaty, but some abused their new found power.

In 1939, just five years after the treaty was signed, a mob of inebriated hunters publicly raped and killed a pureblood vampire Lord on the streets of Tokyo. The group of eight hunters attempted to flee the country by boat, but an unknown number of vampires caught them before the hunters ever made it on board. What would come to be known as the "Tokyo Crime," was the largest breach of the treaty to date. It caused public outcry and created a growing distrust in the Hunters' Organization.

There had always been a certain animosity between vampire hunters and vampires, but the following years were even more tense between the two. It wasn't until seven years later when a charismatic sixteen year old hunter named Viktor Nikiforov, grandson of the former leader of the vampire hunter's Nikolai Nikiforov, came onto the scene that public opinion became favorable toward the Hunter's Organization once again.

Viktor Nikiforov quickly became the public face for the Hunters' Organization. With his good looks, charming demeanor, and strict adherence to the law, he soon became the most popular hunter in history. Viktor Nikiforov was the adopted son of current Hunters' Organization President, Yakov Feltsman. President Feltsman took Viktor in after the boy's only remaining relative Nikolai Nikiforov, was killed in the London bombing along with Feltsman's only son, Boris. Viktor had become an orphan a week before the London bombing, when his vampire hunter mother and father were killed during a battle in Moscow, Russia before the end of the war was announced. With Viktor Nikiforov nearing thirty years old, speculation was high that he would be the next president of the Hunters' Organization.

. . .

Fall 1957 - Korea

"So, they sent you?" A strained voice asked from the shadows of the alley, piercing the quiet of the night. "I was hoping it would be you Nikiforov."

"I'm sorry Georgi, you know that I don't want to do this," Viktor murmured as he slowly raised his gun, "but you know the law." He released the safety on his weapon and the sharp click it made reverberated against the grimy walls surrounding them.

"Of course I do Vitya, I'm too much of a coward to take my own life, so I forced the Organization's hand," Georgi emerged into the dim light that filtered down from the buildings above. He had his hands raised in surrender and tossed his own gun to the ground. "You know that you are doing me a favor right old friend?" He laughed humorously. "I don't want to live in a world where the woman I loved with all my heart chose a bloodsucking monster over me!" He wailed in anguish as tears began to stream down his face.

Viktor felt his stomach turn at the sight of his friend, someone he had trained with for years, so broken and desperate. Georgi had always been proud of his looks, he always dressed to impress and there was never a hair out of place on his meticulously maintained quiff. Now, the figure in rags, with ratty hair, and dirt all over his face barely resembled the man that Viktor knew. "You know that I don't have a choice now?" Viktor snarled, angry at Georgi, at that tramp Anya, at the vampires breathing down their necks, and at himself. "If I don't kill you, they will, slowly." Viktor's sure and steady hand started to tremble as he aimed his gun at his friend.

"Thank you my friend, please tell Yakov that I'm sorry," Georgi spread his arms out wide and looked to the heavens. "The stars are beautiful tonight Vitya, I can't remember the last time I looked at them," he smiled and slowly closed his eyes.

"Do svidaniya, Gosha," Viktor sighed, closed his eyes, and squeezed the trigger. He could hear the moment his bullet wedged deep into his friend's skull and then the sickening sound of a body limply collapsing to the ground. Viktor lowered his gun and turned away before he opened his eyes once more. He preferred to remember his friend alive and stargazing rather than see him as a crumbled shell, laying lifeless on the filthy street.

"We are sorry for your loss Hunter Nikiforov, but appreciate your efficiency" a thickly accented voice whispered from above. "Our Lord requests your presence this evening at his estate."

Viktor didn't bother to look up, he knew that it was one of the vampires that the local Lord had sent to ensure that the deed was done. The thought of spending any time in the company of more vampires sickened him, but Viktor also knew that to refuse would only cause more problems. "Tell your master that I will be there shortly," he huffed and holstered his weapon.

"Very well hunter," the voice replied smoothly.

The faint rustling of fabric was Viktor's only indication that the vampire had left. He reached the end of the alley where a small contingent of hunters and cleaners were waiting for him. They all appeared to be huddled together and conversing when Viktor emerged from the alley and into the main street.

"Handle his body with respect, he was one of us," Viktor said before the inevitable onslaught of questioning could break out. He was tired and mentally exhausted, all Viktor wanted to do was cuddle with his poodle and fall asleep. Sadly though, he was in Korea and Makkachin was still at home in Russia. Viktor then amended his previous desires to include copious amounts of alcohol.

"Yes sir," came the immediate response and then the clean up crew scurried off down the alley to do their job.

"I have to go and attend to the little Lord Vampire here, then I'll head back to Russia," he added over his shoulder with a slight wave of his hand, not waiting for any kind of response.

. . .

"You look weary Hunter Nikiforov," a dark haired man with thick eyebrows and pale skin commented while sipping from a jade chalice as a Siberian husky lay curled up in his lap. The man idly stroked the dog's head as he watched Viktor slowly approach.

Viktor crept up towards the vampire Lord of South Asia, known only by his codename, Siberian. "I'm afraid I will not be very good company tonight Lord Siberian, I just murdered one of my oldest friends you see," Viktor bowed respectfully once he reached the raised platform. The vampire Lord was perched on an oversized chair with his dog, allowing him to 'look down from on high' as it were. Truthfully, Viktor had always had a decent relationship with Lord Siberian, but tonight he wasn't in the mood for small talk and pleasantries.

"No, I suppose not. I do regret what has occurred Hunter Nikiforov, I did offer your Organization the option of allowing my kind to deal with the situation, but your President Feltsman politely declined our assistance I'm afraid," Siberian shrugged and took another sip from his cup. "Yes, an unfortunate series of events all around, at least the senseless killings will stop now," the vampire lord shook his head.

Viktor knew what Georgi had been up to, his former friend and colleague had lost his mind when his lover had left him for a vampire. Georgi had followed the pair back to Korea and murdered them both. Then, consumed by rage and hatred he went on a vampire killing spree until Viktor was dispatched to stop him.

"Yes, thank you again for sending us word as to his whereabouts and allowing us to handle this matter privately Lord Siberian," Viktor bowed respectfully. Lord Siberian would have been well within the law to track Georgi down and do as he pleased with the former hunter. No one would have been able to stop him and he would have been upholding the treaty. It was only common courtesy that the Lord had instead notified the Hunters' Organization and offered them the choice of how to proceed.

"My pleasure," the lord swished his hand as if dismissing the gratitude as unnecessary. "Now, I know that you haven't eaten all day Hunter Nikiforov, you have to keep your strength up. I have ordered my cooks to make you something small, I insist that you stay with me and eat," Lord Siberian raised his hand slowly, causing a flurry of activity at the far side of the great reception room they were in.

A young woman practically appeared out of thin air at the Lord's side, Viktor would never get used to the speed with which vampires could move. It made him feel on edge, especially given the fact that he had been required to relinquish his weapons at the door. Viktor had been in the presence of a few pureblood vampires before, no hunter was ever allowed to bring a weapon anywhere near them, after all they were an endangered species. It was rumored that this particular pureblood was almost 400 years old, though he didn't look a day over twenty. Viktor watched as the Lord and his servant conversed in rapid Korean. Sadly, the only languages that Viktor knew were Russian, English, and French.

Lord Siberian stood from his makeshift throne, causing his dog to grumpily jump down. "Come Hunter Nikiforov, my servants tell me that the dinning room is prepared for us now," the pureblood motioned towards the right side of the room and a set of double doors.

Viktor reluctantly walked toward the doors that Lord Siberian had indicated, having a vampire walk behind him sent a chill up his spine. He knew that he was completely vulnerable, and he didn't like it one bit. Viktor gulped as the doors opened upon their approach by more vampires. An elegant candlelit dining room met Viktor's eyes and he had to rub them to adjust to the sudden brightness. The hall had been dim and cold, but this room was warm and bright. Viktor supposed that Lord Siberian had instructed his servants to make this room as comfortable as possible, the gesture was appreciated.

"I had them make several different dishes, hopefully you will find something suitable," Lord Siberian commented as he gracefully sat at the head of the table and motioned for Viktor to sit to his left.

"Thank you, that was very thoughtful," Viktor took the offered seat and immediately noticed several bottles of alcohol on the table. Some were clearly Russian Vodka, while others had what appeared to be Korean, Chinese, or Japanese labels. In the blink of an eye the table was covered in elegant china with mounds of steaming food on top. Glancing around he could see pelmeni, borscht, and pirozhki. Along side them were distinctly Korean dishes and a large bowl of what Viktor recognized instantly as kimchi. He could now acutely feel the bone deep hunger from refusing to eat the past day or so.

"Please have whatever you like," Lord Siberian commented in his characteristically stoic manner. He picked up a green bottle and poured the clear liquid into a small glass. "This is Soju, I pour you a glass and you drink it in it's entirety, then you pour me a glass and I do the same. Never fill a glass for yourself at a Korean table, very rude," he grinned as he placed the bottle back down and handed Viktor the shot glass.

Viktor nodded and tried to take the glass with his right hand.

"I am your elder Hunter, you use two hands to show respect," the pureblood shook his head as he pulled back the glass slightly.

Viktor nodded again and this time reached for the glass with two hands. It was inevitable that he would have to touch the vampire to accept the glass and he mentally prepared himself for the oddly cool temperature that he knew would accompany the contact. "Thank you," Viktor said and tipped the contents of the glass back and swallowed it one gulp.

Lord Siberian watched and grimaced, "next time you must turn your head as you drink the beverage, it is rude to make eye contact."

Viktor was trying to absorb all the rules and follow them to the best of his ability. He knew the next step was to fill a glass for the vampire, so he reached over and took the bottle. "What is this drink made of?" He asked as he poured and then offered the glass to the stoic vampire Lord.

"Rice," the lord responded and then downed the contents of his glass, "thank you." He then looked at Viktor and waited for the other man to make the next move.

"Oh, right!" Viktor squeaked and began to fill up his plate with a myriad of different foods. From the corner of his eye he saw that the vampire lord was placing a few items onto his plate as well, most notably a large pile of kimchi. Viktor had only seen a few vampires eat food before, but it still intrigued him. He knew that they didn't actually get any nutritional value from it, that they did it only for the flavor, still it was interesting.

"You did well for your first Korean drink, better than your grandfather did anyway," Lord Siberian commented before taking a bite of his kimchi.

"You knew my grandfather?" Viktor asked in shock and dropped his fork.

"Yes, he was friends with the Katsukis of Japan, as was I," he reached for a napkin and dapped his face.

"I've read my grandfather's journal and he did mention traveling to Asia and spending some time in Japan at some hot springs with them," Viktor perked up. He had grown up with the legends of his grandfather Nikolai through his journal. However, the journal appeared to deliberately leave certain facts out, such as locations and names.

"Yes, your grandfather would often visit Hasetsu and somehow he befriended one of the oldest pureblood vampire families, the royal Katsuki family of Japan," he responded in a bored flat voice and then took another bite.

"Is that where the hot springs is?" Viktor couldn't contain his excitement.

"Yes it's," Lord Siberian dropped his chopsticks suddenly. "Wait! You didn't know that? It wasn't in your grandfather's writings?" He asked in a shocked growl.

"Umm no, he actually left out a lot of specifics. I think he did it on purpose in case his journal ever fell into the wrong hands," Viktor shrugged. He was overjoyed to finally discover the hidden location of the hot springs that his grandfather seemed to so thoroughly love.

A stream of what Viktor assumed to be Korean obscenities burst forth from his host's mouth in a snarl. Then his eyes went blood red, his fangs protruded down from his mouth and he swiveled to glare at Viktor. The Hunter could feel his blood run cold and his skin prickle under the intensity of that gaze. Murderous, that's what it was. Viktor could keenly feel where his holster was empty, dangling uselessly at his side. He lamented the absence of his trusted gun.

"I want to be very clear human!" The vampire lord growled venomously. "If you dare go to Japan looking for trouble, I will kill you myself, treaty be damned!" He slammed his fist on the table, rattling the glasses and fine china ominously.

Viktor gulped, his throat dry and his eyes wide. He didn't know what he had said to provoke this vampire, but he sure as hell didn't mean to. "Lord Siberian, I meant no disrespect," he mumbled, "I honestly only wish to retrace my grandfather's footsteps, I would never intentionally stir up trouble between our species, you know that," he said pleadingly. Viktor had built up a reputation as a capable hunter, but a just one. Unlike some more disreputable organization dogs, he didn't condone indiscriminately killing vampires. On more than on occasion he had actually sided with a vampire against his own fellow hunters, but never without cause.

Lord Siberian relaxed his tense posture, allowed his fangs to subside, and slowly his eyes morphed back to a steely gray. "Forgive me Hunter Nikiforov, the fault lies with me, I should not have so freely divulged such information, I panicked," he inclined his head slightly, poured another drink, and offered it to Viktor solemnly. "My most sincere apologies, you are not like the others."

Viktor tentatively took the glass, all too aware of his rapid heartbeat that the vampire could no doubt hear. "It's rare for a noble pureblood such as yourself to panic Lord Siberian," Viktor turned his head, tipped it back, and shot the liquor. The Soju burned down his dry throat and warmed his stomach. He fought back the urge to cough, knowing that he had to at least appear to be in control.

"I may be a pureblood lord, but the Katsuki family are pureblood royalty, as I'm sure you know. Revered and feared in equal measure, something no mortal could possible understand, no offense intended of course," Lord Siberian said as he drank the shot that Viktor offered him.

"None taken," Viktor assured him. The two remaining Katsukis stay well hidden and not much is known about them. We hunters have very little information beyond their aliases that is," Viktor added as he took another shot. Evidentially he was now in a drinking contest with an undead vampire lord, great. He poured his pale host another glass.

"Yes, Queen Smoke and King Eros, though I still find it difficult to call them that, greatly value their privacy," the vampire lord explained while an alarming amount of liquor was being passed back and forth between them. "Since the tragedy that was the peace accords in London, we purebloods are understandably wary of too much attention. Most of us lost at least someone to that terrible attack, you did, I did, and the Katsukis did."

Viktor was intimately aware how many lives were affected when those radicals bombed the location of the peace accords in London. His grandfather Nikolai Nikiforov and his protégé Boris Feltsman, Yakov and Lilia's only child, were there to represent the hunters during the peace talks. All gone, turned to ash in an instant from a blast that was so powerful it took out a sq mile around the venue as well. Vampires were tough, nearly indestructible, but everything burns. When the smoke cleared, all that could be seen was a crater in the ground where an old brick eight story building had once stood. That year Viktor lost his parents during a battle in the war, his grandfather to a bomb, and the life he had once known. He had been only three years old.

"I can still see her face when I close my eyes you know?" The vampire to his right spoke up suddenly, rousing Viktor from his dark memories. "My sister was the only woman that I ever loved, I despise women," he made a sour face and continued. "Ji Suu, with long ebony hair that she always kept styled so elegantly. She had just turned 425 years old, we only celebrated every 25 years for our birthdays, that's how I remember," his lip quirked up at the corner slightly and Viktor swore that for a fraction of a second he saw a gentle look in those cold gray eyes. "She was half a century older than me, so being the oldest family member, she was the one who went to represent Asia with her fiancé, Azamat Altin. He had just proposed the previous year, she was so happy, I had never seen her so happy. He was a good man, a soldier, he would have taken care of my sister and loved her forever. I should have went, it should have been me . . ." His voice trailed off as he gazed out the window at the full moon in the distance. "She always looked best bathed in moonlight," the vampire lord sighed.

Viktor was not used to having this long of a conversation with a vampire, let alone a pureblood lord. Hearing the vampire speak so fondly of his sister, made Viktor realize that the bombing had truly affected everyone, both human and vampire alike. Though he found it difficult to comprehend what a life spanning 425 years would be like, he did know the sharp pain of loosing a family member. It was a dull ache that never really went away, something that had to be experienced firsthand in order to understand how greatly the loss effected your soul. "I'm sorry Lord Siberian, she sounded like a truly remarkable woman," Viktor replied genuinely.

Lord Siberian snapped his head back to gaze at Viktor, as if he had actually forgotten that there was a hunter sitting at his table. He sighed and nodded. "Thank you Viktor, I'm sorry for your loss as well, Nikolai was a good man, my favorite human," he chuckled.

The renowned stoic vampire lord of Asia was chuckling and using Viktor's first name of all things. Viktor didn't know what to say or do with the clearly inebriated vampire, not that he was feeling very sober himself.

"He was so happy to be a grandfather. He told us that the day you were born," the lord hiccupped and then continued, "there was a blizzard and the moment you were delivered it stopped snowing and the sun came out. He said that you were the light of his life and he couldn't wait to watch you grow," the vampire tried and failed to place more liquor into a glass for Viktor, spilling far more liquid on the finely embroidered tablecloth than into the glass. So, the vampire shoved the whole bottle towards the hunter after taking a hearty swig himself. "He would be proud of you, Nikolai would, you should go to Hasetsu, he would like that too I think," he nodded to himself as his head bobbed slightly.

Viktor felt his heart flutter at the mere thought that his grandfather, famous hunter and former leader of the vampire hunters would be proud of him. He smiled, reached for the bottle, and took a long pull. "I think I will, I could use some rest and relaxation, perhaps a hot springs is just what the doctor ordered," Viktor hiccupped and handed the bottle back over to his host.

The doors flew open and a vampire rushed in, quickly accessing the room. "My Lord," he bowed towards Lord Siberian, a perfect 90 degree angle Viktor noted through his alcohol sloshed mind.

Lord Siberian instantly straightened up and quirked one thick eyebrow. "Yes?" He managed to say without sounding too intoxicated and Viktor had to choke down a laugh as the vampire lord swayed slightly in his chair.

"I have an urgent letter from our King," the vampire boy slowly reached into his suit and produced a rolled parchment with a blue wax seal. With his head still bowed he inched closer and held the letter with both hands in front of him. "I am to wait for your reply my Lord and take your response immediately to the King."

Lord Siberian roughly took the parchment, examined the seal and then ripped the letter open. In the soft candle light Viktor could make out some form of oriental writing that he had no hope of understanding. Once the vampire lord reached the bottom of the page, he sighed and rolled the parchment back up.

"Very well, you look tired from your journey," he pointed to a set of doors behind them, "through there you will find my servants, tell them to fetch you anything you need to replenish your strength while I pen a reply to our King."

The vampire boy bowed and swept from the room without another word. Viktor twiddled his thumbs under the table nervously. If his host had business to attend to, then Viktor should be on his way.

"Thank you for the meal Lord Siberian, I should be leaving," Viktor attempted to get to his feet as steadily as he could manage when he was forcefully shoved back down. Stunned, he blinked several times and saw a pale hand restraining him.

"Sit, it appears that I need to have a word with you Hunter Nikiforov," the vampire swayed and glared. "What do you know of the corruption within your organization? I'll be frank, are you involved in the unlawful capture, imprisonment, and draining of my kind hunter?"

Viktor took slightly longer to process the question due to his drunken state. "The organization would never be involved in anything like that!" He snapped finally. "It would break the treaty, not to mention that it is wrong and cruel!" Viktor was appalled at the mere thought.

Lord Siberian's blood red eyes shined dangerously in the candlelight's glow. "You seem to be telling the truth, you see I can usually tell if someone is lying. Very well, is your cousin involved?"

"Yuri? No of course not! He's just a boy!" Viktor shot to his cousin's defense immediately, no longer intimidated by the hostility in the air.

"A child raised by the organization, a killer, like yourself," he scoffed. The vampire unrolled the parchment and placed it in front of Viktor. "This is a list of the most influential organization members that are suspected to be involved in the corruption. We have been monitoring the situation for some time you see." He ran his finger down the script, resting it above the name 'Viktor Nikiforov.'

Viktor could clearly see not only his name, but his cousin Yuri. With a closer look he made out his friends Mila and Georgi, and also President Yakov and Vice President Lilia, as well as all the other top members of the organization. He gulped and looked into calculating gray orbs. "I give you my word that I am not involved, I can't speak for the others, but I can find out," he gritted out. He didn't relish the idea of spying on his own people, but if what Lord Siberian was claiming turned out to be true, Viktor had to know for himself who was involved.

"Oh?" The vampire placed his other hand to his lips and slowly opened his mouth revealing his long fangs. He pierced the tip of his thumb and let the ruby blood pool there. "And would you be willing to share your findings? Or should we just assume all the rest of them guilty?" He asked slyly and lowered his thumb over Viktor's name, streaking it with a bloody smear, then he did the same to Georgi's name.

"If I do, then I want you to provide full amnesty for my cousin, in the event that I find out he was involved," Viktor declared. He would do almost anything to protect his only surviving family member. The boy's parents had been killed a few years ago in a traffic accident, Viktor was the only family that Yuri had now. Truthfully he considered Yakov his father as well. After the bombing and loss of his son, Yakov set up an orphanage and began caring for and training a new generation of hunters. That is how Viktor had met Mila, Georgi, and so many others. He didn't want to doubt his surrogate family, but it was unlikely that the King of the vampires would be this involved if there wasn't some proof.

"I can only promise that he will not be killed and he will not be harmed, if he is too involved, he cannot escape some punishment for his crimes," Lord Siberian countered.

"And you will give me your word? You vow that Yuri Plisetsky will not be harmed, no matter what?" Viktor inquired. He knew that trusting a vampire was most likely not the wisest course of action, but what other choice did he have?

"On the name of Seung Gil Lee, I vow that the Plisetsky boy will not be harmed!" He stated and got to his feet. Seung Gil riffled through a drawer on a nearby credenza for a moment and returned to the table with paper, ink, and quill in hand.

Viktor could feel his jaw drop, he was aware that he was now rapidly breathing out of his mouth, but he found that he was unable to move. Lord Siberian had just told Viktor his real name! He knew the name of a pureblood lord now. The organization would kill for that kind of information! Oh right, he can't tell them, he has to spy on them. Great! He slowly closed his mouth. "I umm," Viktor mumbled. Smooth Nikiforov, real smooth.

"We will make an oath to one another Viktor, its called a blood bond," Seung Gil whispered, not bothering to look up from his task. On the new piece of parchment paper, he was busily writing in a very familiar language.

"A blood bond?" Viktor asked stupidly. He really hoped that didn't mean that Seung Gil would have to bite him, Viktor was SO against that. He had managed to never be bitten, a feat most hunters couldn't claim, not even his grandfather.

"Yes your human saying goes 'my word is my bond,' well with us blood is our bond, here," the vampire lord explained as he reached into his shirt and pulled out a small dagger. "I refuse to bite you, so just cut your finger and place it here," he pointed to the bottom of the parchment where Viktor's name appeared.

Before Viktor put any of his blood anywhere near a piece of paper, he was going to read it, so he pulled it closer and examined it. The looping Cyrillic was blessed to see after so many days of nothing but lines and circles. It laid out their arrangement, he carefully scanned the wording in an effort to detect anything underhanded or a possible loophole. After seeing none, he nodded, sliced his finger and smashed it to the page. "There," he said, pushing the parchment back over to the vampire and sucking on his fresh wound.

Seung Gil placed his index finger to his fang, pierced the skin, and placed it to the parchment. "With this the bond is made, should you break the bond any surviving vampire will know your scent, track you down, and kill you. Should I break the bond, you could hire a vampire to hunt me down to kill me, and you now know my real name" he calmly stated. Seung Gil rolled up the two pieces of parchment and walked over to a candle. He spilled hot wax from the candle in a blob onto the seam of the rolled parchment and pressed his ring into the wax, sealing the letters. Seung Gil then yelled in a language foreign to Viktor's ears, but definitely not Korean.

"Hai!" Came the immediate response and the vampire boy from earlier suddenly appeared with a bow.

"Give this to our King, these letters are very important. You must not be caught, stay in the shadows, avoid public transportation, it may take longer to reach your destination but . . ."

"I understand Lord Siberian, that is the same orders that the King gave to me," he bowed. "Within five days, our King will have these in his hands," he bowed again, shot Viktor a distrustful look, then disappeared out the door to the main reception hall.

"So you will stay here tonight and tomorrow I will charter you a flight to Japan," Seung Gil reached across the table with an out stretched hand and cleared his throat.

Viktor jumped to his feet, nearly knocking over his chair in the process, and shook the offered hand. He had lost a friend, but gained a powerful alley. Viktor was determined not to loose his cousin and if he had to work with the vampires to ensure the kid's safety, then damn it that is just what he would do. "Thank you Seung Gil, I would appreciate that," he couldn't help but smile after he said the vampire's real name aloud.

"You are welcome, Viktor," he smugly replied while tightening his grip, "I take care of my allies and friends, I take care of my enemies as well but that's another story," Seung Gil smirked.

Viktor would have to be careful, he knew that he couldn't afford to piss Seung Gill off and he needed to be stealthy while gathering information on the organization. Deep down he wondered what his grandfather would say if he could see Viktor now . . . he would probably be pleased. After reading his grandfather's journal, it was apparent that Nikolai Nikiforov had very conflicting thoughts regarding vampires. On one hand he came from a long line of hunters, dating as far back as records could trace. On the other hand, the man had befriended many vampires and began to see them for their similarities to humans more than the horrific monsters that legends spoke of. With all these thoughts swimming through his head, as well as far too much alcohol, Viktor felt that a relaxing hot springs trip might be just what he needed.

. . .

The salty sea air stung his sensitive nostrils, like it always did. It was one downside of living near the sea, but Hasetsu was his home, he couldn't imagine living anywhere else. He smiled as Viichan padded along the shore line, chasing the red ball that he had tossed a moment ago. The wind shifted and a strong scent over took him, knocking the incredibly agile man off balance. He almost stumbled as he was hit by the intoxicating smell like a freight train. In all his years, throughout his long life, he had never smelled anything quite like it. A mixture of sunshine and citrus and something else that he couldn't quite place. He salivated as every nerve in his body hummed and he could feel himself slipping into a crimson haze of desire. He had heard others talk about their own experiences, he had read countless books on the phenomenon, but none of that had prepared him for this. Like a moth inexplicably drawn towards an open flame, Yuuri found himself walking in the direction of the tantalizing aroma.

. . .

Viichan barked, tore across the beach, and leapt up onto the sidewalk. There he spotted a man sitting on a bench. It was his and his master's bench, so he yipped at the man. How dare the man sit on their bench?! Why did the human look so sad? Viichan decided to find out!

"Hey there buddy?" Viktor smiled down at the adorable miniature poodle, opting for English over Russian. He had been staring out at the sea, watching the waves crash along the shore. It was all very Zen and Viktor hadn't even noticed the dog until it started to bark at him. "Where's your owner?" Viktor reached down to pet the dog only to have the little ball of fluff leap up into his lap and begin lapping at his face. Viktor giggled happily.

"Viichan!" Yuuri snapped out of his zombie like trance when he noticed his dog jumping on the source of the glorious aroma. He rushed over to help the poor man from being covered in drool as Viichan began to lick the man to death. Yuuri scolded the dog in Japanese and pulled the mutt into his arms. "ごめんなさい!" He squealed and bowed to the stranger.

"Oh umm that's ok," Viktor mumbled while waving his hands, "he didn't hurt me!" He hoped desperately that this man knew English, because Viktor certainly didn't speak any Japanese.

Yuuri was trying very hard to concentrate on anything besides the delicious smell that was wafting his way. He raised his head slowly and was greeting by a pair of crystal blue eyes. "I'm sorry about my dog," he stammered out in English. He hadn't had an occasion to use the language in a long time, but it came back quickly.

"Oh no problem, he's really cute!" Viktor smiled and felt his heartbeat increase when the man stood back up. Warm chocolate eyes looked back at him beneath a pair of blue half-rimmed glasses. The man was . . . gorgeous! He had what looked to be an athletic build and lovely hips, accentuated nicely by the tight black pants that the man was wearing. A crisp white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up didn't seem to be sufficiently warm given the cool sea breeze, but Viktor enjoyed seeing the man's well defined forearms none the less. "My name is-"

"Viktor!" Yuuri shrieked, effectively cutting the other man's introduction short.

"Oh umm yes," Viktor smiled sheepishly. "You know me?" He knew that his face was plastered on a lot of propaganda these days, so he really shouldn't be surprised that even here someone would recognize him.

Yuuri just stood there, clearly shocked. Fate is one cruel bitch! How was it possible that he, Yuuri Katsuki, a pureblood vampire, was fated to have Viktor Fucking Nikiforov the world renown Hunter as his damn soul mate?! Life was so unfair! He needed to talk, the sexy Russian had asked him a question. Yuuri could feel the cobwebs on his brain as the gears slowly turned to process thought once more. He could feel Viichan asking him 'what's wrong?' in his head, their connection after all these years was quite strong. "I umm," Yuuri stammered out while his cheeks grew steadily warmer.

Viktor cocked his head to the side in obvious confusion. "Well you know my name," he smiled, "what's yours?" He hoped that he could find out this man's name, even though the poor blushing mess in front of him was too adorable for words!

Ok Katsuki, you are the King of the vampires, literally the strongest being on Earth, you can string a damn sentence together if you stop staring at his neck! Yuuri gulped, his throat was burning, a deep ache that he desperately wanted to quench by sticking his fangs deep into the Russian's slender . . . Damn it! He mentally berated himself. "Yuuri!" He yelled and closed his eyes after a ridiculously long pause to utilize what little self control he possessed. He opened his eyes again, took a deep breath, not that he needed to breathe in the first place, and tried again. "I'm sorry, my name is Yuuri," he inclined his head slightly, "it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Yuuri?" Viktor repeated, making sure to stretch the 'u' sound like he heard the other man do a moment ago. "My cousin's name is Yuri," he laughed, "it's so similar!"

If Yuuri had a heartbeat it would be going wild! Viktor Nikiforov, the living legend of the Hunters' Organization and arguably the sexiest man alive, just said his name and smiled at him! Yuuri had to concentrate, he couldn't allow himself to give into the mouth watering temptation in front of him. Oh good god Viktor's heart rate was picking up, pumping that delicious ruby life-force faster through his delectable veins, shit! Yuuri quickly brought his hand up to cover his mouth when he felt his fangs involuntarily begin their decent. Well that hadn't happened since he was a young vampire, which was over a millennia ago. "Excuse me, I don't feel well, I have to go lay down," Yuuri bowed, spun on his heel, and took off towards the street.

"Wait, if you don't feel well, let me help you!" Viktor began to follow Yuuri's retreating form. Honestly he didn't want the adorable man to go just yet, he was the first person to speak with Viktor since he had arrived. Plus he had such a cute dog, and a poodle at that! Cute, nice body, sweet demeanor, and likes dogs?! Viktor thought that was a lethal combination that he very much wanted to have the chance to experience more of. Sweet mother of god, Viktor caught a great view of Yuuri's backside and he defiantly liked what he saw! Damn that adorable man was fast, Viktor was having a hard time keeping up.

Yuuri rounded the corner and without thinking me melted himself and Viichan into the shadows. Yuuri had always been so comfortable in the velvety embrace of the dark, it was safe. It was in moments like this, where he relied on his magical abilities, that he felt truly at peace. He and Viichan now existed as a mere shade of their physical forms, thoughts and misty obscurity.

"Yuuri?" Viktor called out as he turned the corner in the last direction he saw the other heading in. When he was greeted with silence and the absence of one very attractive man and his dog, he sighed. Viktor had lost him. How was that even possible? Damn that man was quick! The image of the way he moved those thighs and that plump ass had Viktor biting his lower lip. He let his shoulders slump and he cursed in Russian, not that anyone here would understand him. "Damn, I really thought he was cute and what a great ass," he mumbled out loud in Russian as he sulked off towards the beach where he had left his bag.

If shadows could blush, Yuuri's would be. He spoke Russian and practically every other language there was thank you very much and he knew exactly what Viktor had just said aloud.

So are you gonna hide here with me for the rest of day oh great and powerful King of the vampires?

Shut up! And I forbid you to tell anyone about this!

Who the hell am I gonna tell Yuuri? I'm YOUR familiar remember? No one else can hear me you goofball!

Right! I knew that!

Suuure . . .anyways are we gonna talk about the fact that the human you have pictures of in our room and you named me after this time is your soul mate? Or are we gonna file that away in the 'things to over-think and worry about obsessively later' drawer?

Ok mutt, that's enough!

I am no mutt your majesty, I am an honorable spirit, a Yama no Kami as you very well know! And just because I am bound to you, doesn't mean that I have to enjoy the incessant ramblings in that ancient head of yours. I love you, I'll never let anyone hurt you, but you need to relax master!

I know, I'm sorry. . . love you too.

Yuuri pulled an inky black outline of himself and Viichan from the shadows. Slowly they began to materialize and take physical shape once more. Yuuri could now utilize his senses and the lingering aroma that Viktor left in his wake made his eyes roll back into his head. He sat Viichan on the ground and the fluffy poodle looked back up at him.

He said that you have a great ass master.

"Oh my god shut up!" Yuuri squealed and stomped off down the road. He decided that a soak in the hot springs might help clear his mind and think straight. He needed to figure out what Viktor was doing in Japan. Usually if a high ranking hunter is planning on visiting somewhere for the organization, they are required to announce the visit to the Vampire Lord of the area and the human authorities. It's in the Unified Species' Treaty, Yuuri knows, because he help draft the damn thing. But Yuuri had received no notification from either the humans or Kenjirou. So the question remained, what was Viktor Nikiforov, next in line for the presidency of the Hunters' Organization doing in Japan, let alone Hasetsu? And then another ugly thought popped into Yuuri's head, was Viktor involved in the current corruption that seemed to be running rampant within the Organization? He hoped not, he always thought that Viktor was an honorable hunter, much like his grandfather had been. All of Yuuri's Lords that have dealt with Viktor have reported the hunter to be professional, warm, and just. Given the distain that most vampires had for hunters, that was high praise indeed, especially from Seung Gil Lee.

That crabby Korean hates almost everybody, except you, Phichit, and maybe Otabek.

True, he defiantly doesn't hate Phichit . . .

Yuuri decided to take the long way home. He allowed his mind to wander, let it drift back to half forgotten memories and days of old. He could remember what Hasetsu used to look like, a small sleepy fishing village and rice patty farms, some of the first ones in the country. Before his parents built Yu-topia back in the Muromachi period, they had posed as rice farmers. Toshiya and Hiroko Katsuki took great joy in giving back to the humans around them. They were responsible for spreading rice patty farming through Japan after a trip to visit some friends in China. Usually vampires tried not to get involved in the evolution of humans, but his parents loved to mingle and farming provided an excellent cover.

Mari hated farming.

Yes I remember her complaining about her farming days quite often.

I didn't mind it, but I have always preferred the onsen. And now because the world knows about the existence of vampires, we don't have to leave every fifty years or so anymore.

Good, I didn't care for Europe or America, too many humans, so many dirty souls.

You know my parents were soul mates. My Father told me when he met my mom he just knew he had found his fated mate. He always said that Mom smelled like warm bread, which was his favorite smell. Mom said Dad smelled like cherry blossoms and fresh rain. I grew up watching those two be sappy in love, and they were together for almost two millennia.

Your mother possessed one of the purest souls that I have ever encountered and they were both extremely kind and generous people.

Vampires.

To me all you bipeds are people.

Fair.

Perhaps it's time for you to find love master, I know that you have found companionship and lust, but never love.

Sometimes the thought that you are connected to my mind so intimately is beyond embarrassing.

True, you can't really hide anything from me, but you know all my thoughts too.

Yes a few decades ago I was given quite a horrifying recollection of some of your trysts.

Oh please, she was a gorgeous wolf, true not a spirit or god or anything, but a magnificent example of her species none the less. And you have NO room to complain, we were bonded during your century long discovery of the male anatomy thank you very much. I still have nightmares from your decade in Mongolia.

Ok lets not bring that up!

You started it.

TRUCE!

Very well master, truce.

As they approached the private entrance to the Onsen, Yuuri smiled. He was home. Viichan barked happily, mirroring his master's thoughts. Yuuri went through the back gate, across the courtyard, and opened the shoji doors of his quarters. He plopped down unceremoniously, belly first onto his futon. While Phichit had insisted on having a western style bed in his room, Yuuri felt most comfortable on a futon. Old habits die hard, especially ones that are centuries old. Viichan scampered off towards his usual haunts on the opposite side of the compound.

"What a way to start the day," Yuuri sighed, the quiet of his room was his only reply. Yuuri felt drained, both physically and emotionally. Admittedly he hadn't been provided an occasion to use his powers in some time. He wondered if he was still able to call upon the elements at all.

The ancient vampire rolled over to his back and stared at the ceiling. He slowly closed his eyes and began to concentrate. He could feel his powers rising to his call within him. Raw energy began to spring to life, dancing playfully across his skin, tempting and strong. But which of the element should he summon? Which one would heed his command? Fire was temperamental and Mari always controlled it much better. Earth was sturdy and steadfast, it had been his father's favorite. Wind, gentle and serene was what his mother had preferred. Yuuri meanwhile tended to have an affinity for water. The way it moved and flowed, a wondrous life giving liquid, but it could be frozen capturing a single moment in time.

Yuuri raised up his hand and waited. He could hear the water rushing in his ears, smell the ocean, and felt the crisp chill of the sea. He sat up and walked out into the garden. The pale morning light gave all the greenery around him an ethereal glow. With his right hand extended above his head towards the heavens he unleashed his deluge. A veritable waterfall erupted from his finger tips and shot up to the sky, only to fall back down in the form of a light rain. Yuuri lowered his hand, canceled out his powers, and let the rain fall over him in silence. It was so soothing.

"Having fun?" Phichit smirked from an engawa overlooking the courtyard.

Yuuri's eyes snapped open and the water disappeared instantly. "Phichit!" Yuuri screamed, he had been paying so much attention to his powers, that he neglected to notice that he was not alone.

"You know we live at an onsen, right? If you wanted to take a bath, there are other options available to you," Phichit chuckled and smiled fondly across the yard and took in the sight of an awfully damp vampire shuffling his way.

"I wasn't trying to ta-" Yuuri stopped abruptly mid retort as a cool breeze caressed his face. It carried with it a scent, one that made Yuuri audibly gulp.

Noticing the sudden change in the other vampire, Phichit cocked his head to the side. "Yuuri what's wrong?" He asked, rapidly becoming more tense. Yuuri didn't usually have that look on his face, it was almost as if . . .

"Why is Viktor Nikiforov here?" Yuuri asked curtly as he raised a hand to his face in a poor attempt to cover his mouth. The elder vampire began to pant and shiver slightly, overwhelmed by the tempting aroma, as he could feel himself slowly loosing control.

Phichit furrowed his brow. Was Yuuri showing his fangs? It had been at least a decade since he had seen his master's fangs. And how the hell did he know about the hunter being here? Phichit's head quickly filled with a multitude of questions. "How . . . how did you know about Nikiforov? I was umm just on my way to tell you?" Phichit stuttered out, blinking rapidly.

Yuuri let a low rumbling growl escape his lips. Hungry, he was so hungry. Starving really. Yes, he needed to feed, had to satisfy that parched feeling in the back of his throat. The gnawing pain. He lowered his hand and took in a deep breath through his nose. Deliciously, mouth watering. "Mine!" He declared with a feral snarl.

Phichit shook his head, trying to clear it. Surely he was seeing incorrectly, because there was no way that his master, the epitome of self control when sober, was acting as though he were some kind of crazed new born vampire! Phichit could practically feel the intense desire and bloodlust dripping off of Yuuri. "Yuuri?" He whispered cautiously, it was terribly unwise to get too close to a powerful vampire that was lost to bloodlust. When you were in that state of mind only one thing would matter, and it surely wasn't rational thought.

Yuuri jerked his head towards the sound. Someone had said his name. Who would dare try to stand in his way? Oh! It was Phichit! His Phichit, his precious progeny, his best friend. Why did Phichit sound like he was afraid? Phichit should never ever have to be afraid again! Yuuri had made sure of that. Then why did he look frightened now? Yuuri began to calm down as his mind shifted from thoughts of blood, to the well being of his friend. "Oh for the love of," Yuuri wailed and buried his face in his hands when his mind finally caught up to what had happened. "I'm sorry that you had to see that Phichit," Yuuri mumbled into his hands.

First Phichit came out to find Yuuri playing with his powers in the garden like child and then a second later the pureblood vampire had snapped. "Umm what the hell was all that Yuuri? You ok? What's going on?"

When Yuuri heard the obvious concern in his friend's tone he felt like an even bigger idiot. "I'm sorry Phichit I umm already ran into Viktor this morning, I didn't know that he was headed here though."

"Viktor? Oh? You're on a first name basis with that hunter already huh?" Phichit couldn't help the mocking tone. He lived to make his best friend flustered, it was his hobby. Since Phichit had been doing it for a few centuries, he was pretty good at it.

Yuuri peered through the gaps in his fingers at Phichit. "I umm met him on the beach and umm Phichit he umm . . ." Yuuri let the statement hang there and float away in the breeze, he didn't know how to tell Phichit about Viktor.

After waiting as long as he could for Yuuri to elaborate, he huffed. "Come on Yuuri, you know you're gonna tell me, you always do!" Phichit laughed at his own cleverness.

Yuuri moaned and finally lowered his hand shield. "Phichit I smelled something on the beach and was umm pulled towards it and it turned out to be Viktor and there's umm more," he fidgeted with the damp hem of his shirt. He really didn't want to admit this to Phichit, but his friend was right, eventually Yuuri would cave. Might as well get it over with. "He's my soul mate Phi," Yuuri quietly mumbled.

Phichit was stunned to say the least. Yuuri had a gazillion photographs, newspaper clippings, and propaganda posters adorning his private quarters of the famous hunter. He had been slowly amassing quite the collection, one that even rivaled the Nishigori triplets. Phichit knew that Yuuri admired the hunter for his virtue and for his looks. But a soul mate? Yuuri Katsuki, King of the Vampires, the strongest being on Earth with a vampire hunter, the irony of it all made Phichit laugh out loud.

"What?" Yuuri asked, not expecting for Phichit's response to be laughter.

"Just congratulations on your marriage," Phichit burst out laughing, wiping a tear from his eye. He had a feeling that things were about to get very interesting.

Author's Notes:

O.o;; Holy 10,000 words Batman! Sorry about that ^^;; I had to give some world building back story at the beginning so it kinda got huge. Also sorry that this is being posted near the end of Aug instead of the beginning. To make a long story short, a very good friend of mine has been battling cancer for the past year and he just recently passed away. It's been . . . tough . . . to do much of anything productive. I needed to be there for his wife, another close friend, and I had very little time to write. This traumatic experience has really made me take a step back and appreciate the gift that is life. I ask you all to take a moment today and just be happy for a second, you are alive and the sun is still shinning. Enjoy it! Life is too short!

Ok sorry that got deep for a second there ^^;; I also want to say thank you to all my wonderful readers! You have no idea how much I appreciated all your comments, kudos, art, and support throughout UtCoE and I'm sorry I made you wait so long for this! I hope that it was worth the wait. Moving forward I will attempt to update at least once a week. I have a lot in store for this AU and I hope you all enjoy the ride ^^ Thank you again!

~A Humble Usagi~

P.S. over on my tumblr: kawaiiusagi2 there is some fanart ^^;; it's cute and you should probably go check it out. To find them, just use the tag #crimson haze

Chapter Notes:

Do svidaniya, Gosha - Do svidaniya means farewell, goodbye, till we meet again ect in Russian and Gosha is the diminutive (Russian nickname) for Georgi

ごめんなさい! - gomen nasai means "I'm sorry!" in Japanese

Yama no Kami - a mountain god or spirit of the mountains. In my research Shinto belief is that a wolf or dog creature protects the mountains, rice-fields, and fishing communities in Japan. There are numerous shrines dedicated to these spirits.

Muromachi period - is a division of Japanese history running from approximately 1336 to 1573.

engawa - an architectural element of a traditional Japanese structure. It is a strip of flooring, usually hardwood, surrounding the outside of a building. It is similar to a small veranda.