Okay so I'm back with chapter 2. I'm so glad this work has been so well received. I've was very nervous because of how long it's been since I've written anything. I came up with a plan for the 2 works I'm writing. I'll write a chapter for this one and then one for What's Lost Only to be Found. That way I can switch it up and hopefully not lose interest. Thank you to all the reviewers. It gives me the motivation to continue writing.

So basically I'm not dwelling too much on all of Zoe's time with Shizuka. I'm going to be doing snippets of the time she was with her. I just hope it doesn't seem too jumpy.

Also I know that Zoe might seem way too advanced in knowledge, skills, and mannerisms but I mean it seems like vampires advance much quicker in such things despite young age. The characters seem really advanced in the manga and anime despite being young. I'm thinking Hunters are more than likely the same way.

Description: When Shizuka decided to take revenge on the Kiryus it went differently than planned. Years later, her death sets many changes into motion. It throws off the plans of many and causes much trouble and confusion. How does Zero deal with the conflict it causes? How will Kaname make up for these unexplained events making kinks in his plans? Female Zero Kaname/Zero Read more in A Daughter's Life.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Vampire Knight. That belongs to Hino Matsuri.

Chapter 2

Mother's Darling Girl

After many months of investigation the Kiryus and the Hunter's Association couldn't find much on the kidnapping of Zero Kiryu. It had looked good at the beginning after the body of the murdered hunter had been autopsied. The wound had obviously been caused by a vampire.

The Vampire Council was immediately contacted and the council, not wanting a war to break out, helped in the investigation. It quickly became obvious though that they had no clear suspect. The Kiryus had made too many enemies that could have done this.

The list was so long that even the Kiryus realized it would take at least a year to work through them. It hurt them deeply. They clung to Ichiru as he was the last link they had to Zero. Not to say they didn't love their son, they did, and they didn't want to lose another child.

They soon realized that Ichiru was stronger than before. It was theorized that without Zero there his strength wasn't being sapped. Ichiru though who really didn't understand what was going on, as he was only an infant, did know somehow that something was missing.

After two years and many dead ends, the case went cold. The Kiryus and those close to them didn't give up though. They always kept an ear and eye out. Touma and Ichika had taken a long sabbatical while the investigation had been actively happening. After it went cold they had to take missions once more. They never went together, not wanting to leave Ichiru without a parent there. If they had absolutely no choice Toga or Cross were always the ones to stay with the child.

Ichiru, knowing instinctively that a part of him was missing, always clung to a bear that Zero had loved. One day when he was four he was asked what he called the stuffed animal he replied, "Zewo. Don know why. Felt wight."

Touma and Ichika had smiled at the boy but couldn't stop the tears from falling from their eyes. When Ichiru asked why they were crying they explained who Zero was and what had happened to him. Ichiru, who was exceptionally smart for his age, told them with certainty that his twin was alive. He couldn't explain why but said he just knew.

XxX

Two years had passed since Shizuka had taken Zoe and had made the child her own. Zoe had grown beautifully. As she grew it became obvious that some of Shizuka's traits had passed onto the girl. Zoe's eyes were pink in the middle but were tinged amethyst around the edges. Her hair was a silvery white like her mother's, not the regular silver Kiryus were known for. Shizuka loved this fact. It made Zoe even more her daughter than just having her blood.

Shizuka had worried that there would be complications with Zoe being as she was originally born a boy. Her fears were unfounded though. Zoe had no issues as she grew. Shizuka wondered if it was because Zoe had been changed at a young age. All in all the young girl was comfortable with herself.

The night was nice and warm so Shizuka had decided to bring Zoe out into the garden. The garden was lit gently with solar yard lights. It caused an ethereal glow that added a fairy tale type feeling. Shizuka sat at a small table drinking tea as she watched Zoe run around the garden admiring the various flowers and other kinds of plants.

Shizuka almost jumped from her chair when Zoe tripped, expecting the little one to cry. When Zoe let out a giggle and bounced back up only to buzz around the garden again, she sat back down. Shizuka was grateful she had dressed her little girl's favorite outfit of black leggings and a dark green dress. They really wouldn't get grass stains from the fall. Zoe would have been upset if the clothes had been ruined since she was obsessed with said outfit.

A tap on Shizuka's leg brought her out of musings. She looked down at Zoe with a smile and asked, "Why hello darling. What can mama do for you my little princess?"

Zoe grinned and held up a tulip she had found, "Picked this fow you mama. It pwetty like mama's eyes."

Shizuka smiled before lifting her little girl and setting her on her lap. She took the flower and admired it before tucking it behind Zoe's ear. "A beautiful flower like this belongs on a beautiful princess like my Zoe."

Zoe giggled before curling into her mom's chest and yawning. Shizuka smiled down at her, "Is it time for bed my little princess?"

Zoe nodded, rubbing her eyes. "Stowy?"

"Anything for you little one."

Shizuka tucked Zoe into bed after bathing her and dressing her in pajamas. She lay next to her daughter and told her a story about a handsome knight rescuing a princess from a bad wizard's dungeon. She kissed Zoe on the head after she had fallen asleep. Shizuka smiled down at her daughter before heading for her own room.

XxX

Zoe was three years old and hiding in a cupboard; trying not to giggle as her mom walked past. They were playing hide and seek. She covered her mouth to stifle her laughter again as Shizuka walked by for a third time. Her mom was looking in such silly places.

Shizuka smiled as she heard Zoe's muffled giggles. She had known all along where her little one was hiding but Zoe was enjoying herself so much Shizuka decided to drag it on. "Oh where, oh where could the little princess be?" she asked as she looked in a potted plant, "Has my little girl disappeared? I can't find her anywhere."

Zoe couldn't hold her giggles anymore. She opened the cupboard door and got out. She held up her arms out, "I'm right here mama! I'm not missing. See?"

"Oh there you are! You're too good at this game for me little one," She exclaimed as she picked Zoe up and spun her in a circle before hugging the girl to her chest.

XxX

Zoe was four and sitting in her mother's study on the loveseat reading a book. Her tutors had marveled at her intelligence, saying the little girl was a genius. Zoe just enjoyed learning. She was a curious child and wanted to know everything.

Zoe looked up from her book and turned her head to her mother. She set her book down and took a before asking, "Mama do I have a daddy?"

Shizuka looked up from the documents she was going through for the businesses on the human side of things the Hios owned. She sighed knowing this day would come. She didn't think Zoe was quite ready to hear the truth. Shizuka had promised herself that she wouldn't hide the details of how she came to have her little girl from Zoe. She smiled at Zoe and replied, "I won't hide anything from you my little princess but I don't think it's time to tell you quite yet. How about I tell you when you're five. Deal?"

Zoe patted her chin with her finger as she thought about it. It sounded fair to her even if she was a little sad at being told she wasn't old enough, "Okay. Deal."

Shizuka could tell her daughter was a bit upset. She got up from her desk and moved to the small couch. She sat down and gathered Zoe up into her arms, setting her on her lap. She started to run her hand through her daughter's hair, "The story of how you came to be, my little princess, is complicated. I want you to be fully able to understand it. I won't hide it from you, I promise."

Zoe looked up at her mother and nodded, "Okay mama. I love you."

"I love you too princess."

"Can you tell me the story about the princess and the knight again?"

"Of course baby," she held Zoe closer to her before beginning, "There once was a beautiful princess who lived a wonderful life with her parents until one day a horrible wizard came and kidnapped her. He wanted to lock her up and keep her from the world…."

XxX

A couple months later found Zoe sitting in her lesson room working on her art skills. Shizuka sat in a chair across from her. Zoe had decided that this painting would be a gift for her mother for her birthday. Shizuka, who wanted to indulge her daughter, was done up in some of her best clothes and her hair and makeup was done in elegant and elegant fashion. Zoe had asked her to do so and she couldn't say no to her.

Shizuka had never seen Zoe's artworks. The young child told her each time that it was too embarrassing. Her art tutor sang praises about Zoe's works but Shizuka couldn't help but wonder if it was because her child was a pureblood or if it was true. Shizuka often worried if Zoe was having too much pushed onto her but the young girl always assured her that she loved learning everything. Her little princess was years ahead in her knowledge. The only lessons she had trouble with were her piano lessons but that was more do to her small hands.

"I'm all done mama," Zoe announced, bringing Shizuka out of her musings.

Shizuka grinned and rose from her seat. She walked over to Zoe and looked at the painting. She let out a small gasp, "It's beautiful my little princess!"

The painting was so well done that it looked like a picture taken by a camera. Shizuka once again asked herself how her daughter was so talented. Maybe it was due to the fact that she was not only a pureblood vampire but was also at the same time technically a pureblood hunter. It didn't matter though. Her daughter could've been the most stupid child ever and she would still love her.

"You really think so mama?" Zoe exclaimed.

"Of course darling. I'm having it hung in the entrance hall for all to see."

Zoe blushed, "You don't have to."

"I want everyone to see the marvelous job my little princess did on this panting," she kissed her daughter on the forehead, "Thank you for the wonderful gift baby."

Zoe just grinned up at her mother.

XxX

Zoe had just turned five a couple weeks ago. She had been nervous about asking her mother about why she didn't have a dad again. She worried her mother would make her wait again.

They were coming from the greenhouse where the duo had just finished having tea. Shizuka looked down at her daughter and saw her fiddling with the sleeve of her kimono. Zoe had taken to dressing in traditional clothes like her mother much to Shizuka's dismay. She had enjoyed dressing her in lacy and frilly dresses. "What's bothering you my little princess?"

Zoe bit her lip before nervously speaking, "Will you tell me why I don't have a daddy now mama?"

Shizuka sighed. She had been expecting this since Zoe had turned five though. "Very well darling. We'll go to my study where it's more private."

She picked up Zoe and carried her to said location. She settled her into an armchair before sitting in the one across from it. She took a deep breath.

"When mama was young she lived with your grandma and grandpa till she was ten. That was when my parents died. The Vampire Council decided to lock me up."

"That's like your story about the princess and her knight."

"That's because it's what mama based the story off of," she smiled before continuing, "I was locked up for many years. The council claimed it was for my protection but I knew they just wanted to have control over a pureblood.

They would bring me humans regularly to feed from. I was slowly going mad in my isolation until one day I met Asahi. Sora Asahi was a human brought for me to feed from. He was different though. He didn't bow to me or cower in fear either. Asahi had a defiant and determined look about him. He wasn't in awe or fear of me.

Mama fell in love with him right away. So I turned him. The council was unhappy to say the least but I told them either they let him stay or I would destroy them. They agreed.

Asahi hated me at first; mad I had turned him instead of just killing him. He eventually came to return my feelings. We decided to escape, so we could be together, when I was told that I was to marry Kuran Rido.

After we had escaped we found a little cottage where we could live. It was the best year I had lived in a long time. I was happy. Until one night when Asahi was feeling the need to get out. So he ran into town to pick up some groceries.

When he didn't return after quite a few hours I got worried. I went to look for him. I finally found Asahi as he was fighting a couple of hunters, who I later learned were the newly married Kiryus. He was already injured and was fighting a losing battle.

Asahi's eyes met mine and it distracted him long enough for Kiryu Touma to strike the finishing blow. Asahi met my eyes once more and mouthed for me to run as he turned to ash.

I ran as he told me to. I spent a year and a half in grief at the cottage where we had started building our life together. It was then that I heard that Kiryu Ichika had just given birth to twin boys.

I decided to get revenge on them for taking my reason for living away by taking someone dear from them.

Mama enlisted the help from a hunter close to them and when the boys were six months old we implemented our plan.

I arrived at the Kiryu home and killed my accomplice before making my way to the nursery. When I looked into the crib I first saw the younger of the two, Kiryu Ichiru. But when I turned to look at the other baby, he was looking at me with amazed eyes and then he smiled at me. That smile melted my heart.

I took the child and brought it here where I used an ancient Hio ritual to make the baby my own. It changed the infant to a pureblood and from a boy to a girl.

That, my Zoe, is how you came to be my daughter. I want you to know that I love you so much. It doesn't matter that you weren't originally mine. You are my child all the same. All I can hope is that you won't hate me now that you know the truth."

Zoe knew she loved her mother. She didn't know her original parents and she wasn't sure she wanted to. Sure it might be weird considering her mom technically kidnapped her from her original family but she could understand, just from watching her mother tell her story, that Shizuka had loved Asahi very much.

Zoe understood that grief is what had driven her mother to want to commit the acts she had planned. Zoe had seen what losing your partner could do.

A wife, who was a maid, of a man, who was a kitchen staff, had been killed right in front of him by a stray level E that had wandered onto the property. After the E had killed the wife the husband had gone feral and killed the level E before killing himself. The scream the husband had let out when his wife was killed would stick with her for the rest of her life.

To Zoe her original parents were just people who had killed someone precious to her mom. If anything they should have expected some sort of revenge after more than likely making plenty of enemies from their line of work.

"It doesn't matter to me. You took me in and raised me all the same. You are my mom. I love you very much. Besides I don't think I want to meet them. I'm a vampire, the very thing they kill," Zoe told Shizuka.

Shizuka softly smiled at her daughter and held her arms open. Zoe climbed into her lap and Shizuka held her tight as happy tears fell from her eyes. It would have killed her if this had caused her daughter to hate her. To Shizuka, Zoe was her whole life. She was the last thing keeping her from giving up on life.

The pair stayed like that until Zoe fell asleep in her mother's lap. Shizuka took her daughter with her to her own bed. She didn't want her precious one away from her right now.

XxX

For two weeks after the truth came out Shizuka didn't really let Zoe be away from her for very long. After that things started to basically go back to normal. The only real differences were that Shizuka was happier now that a weight was lifted off her shoulders and that Zoe researched everything she could on the Kiryu family. She wanted the knowledge just in case something happened because of her hunter lineage so she wouldn't be caught off guard.

It had been four months and Shizuka and Zoe were closer than ever. Shizuka was starting to show Zoe more of the workings of the Hio family. It wasn't a whole lot more like what businesses and charities and such that they owned or had a hand in. She was also shown what properties they had.

Zoe loved it. The young vampire soaked it up. She still had a passion for learning almost anything. She however had a slight hate of piano, she cursed her small hands.

The duo sat in Zoe's art studio while the girl finished a painting of the two. They had gotten a photo taken so she could paint the portrait. Shizuka sat in an armchair to the side reading while her daughter worked. They enjoyed times like this. Even if they were doing separate things they just enjoyed each other's presence.

"It's done now," Zoe said to her mother.

"It's lovely. We'll have to hang it in the entry hall with the other portraits of us."

"Okay," she replied before asking, "Mama?"

"Yes my little princess?"

"When will I start needing blood? I know young vampires feed off energy at first but when do we start needing blood? I can't find a definite answer. I've asked my tutors and they told me to ask you."

"They told you to ask me because that situation is kind of like a puberty situation. It should honestly be explained by a parent because it's more personal since the first blood a vampire drinks is their parents'. Most times it's the mother's. Blood drinking between vampires is more private as blood is precious to us. Now for when young vampires first drink blood depends on their body. When a young vampire's fangs first appear is when you start needing it. It's basically your body going through a change like when puberty hits. There isn't a definite age because it depends on the child's body. That's why many vampires keep their children as close as possible when they're young. So they are there when the first bloodlust hits."

Zoe nodded in understanding, "So I'll be drinking your blood when my first bloodlust hits?"

"Yes my dear," she motioned for Zoe to sit on her lap and when the girl did she continued, "For purebloods, since our blood is considered precious, it is definitely a more special act. For young vampires after they first drink blood is when their special powers, if they have any, start developing. For a young pureblood this is a bigger event as purebloods are the strongest of vampires."

"When do you think I'll first need blood?"

"Well most Hios usually have their fangs first appear between the ages of six and eight. I am unsure how your special heritage will affect your first fang appearance."

"Okay. I understand now. Thank you for telling me mama."

"You're welcome baby."

XxX

Zoe had just turned six and she had finally conquered the piano. Her hands were finally big enough to play decently. Before now she would curse her pettiness for hours after a lesson. That had caused much amusement to everyone in the house, especially her mother. Shizuka during the rants would hide in her office and laugh until Zoe got there and she would contain her laughter until she had calmed her daughter. After Zoe would leave she would start laughing again.

Now that she was able to play, piano music constantly filled the house. Zoe, who had once hated said instrument, had fallen in love with playing it. She couldn't wait until she would be taught how to write her own music.

Currently Shizuka sat in the music room listening to her daughter play as she had tea. She and some of the staff who joined her in listening swayed slightly as they listened to Zoe play Ave Maria with a butler playing the violin alongside. This was a common occurrence as of late. Any staff who knew how to play an instrument would accompany Zoe as she played.

Shizuka and the staff clapped as they finished. Shizuka smiled and waved her daughter over, "That was lovely my little princess. Have some tea with me darling."

"Thank you mama," she grinned, "Tea sounds lovely."

Mother and daughter sat quietly enjoying each other's company. Shizuka was more and more thankful each day for her wonderful daughter. Zoe had brought so much purpose and love to her life. She never wanted to let her little princess go.

XxX

Zoe had only been six for three months when one of Shizuka's spies delivered life shattering news.

The Council was closing in on Shizuka's position. It wouldn't be more than two weeks before she was found. The Mad Blooming Princess immediately started making plans. She had to protect Zoe. She couldn't let the filthy council find out about her precious daughter. They would use Zoe as a tool to control her and use Zoe to fulfill their plans to increase the pureblood population.

The solution popped into her thoughts at that moment. She would seal Zoe's pureblood side and erase her memories. It was a spell the Hios and Kurans had worked together to make when the families were close. She just needed to figure out how to perform the spell without killing herself. She wouldn't be able to protect Zoe if she was dead.

"Fumiko, I need you to gather the entire household staff. We need to plan while Zoe is still in bed. Time is of the upmost importance. Please hurry. Have them meet me in the formal dining room," she said to the maid in the corner of the room.

"Yes my lady," she disappeared with a bow.

Shizuka sighed before heading for the formal dining room. It didn't take more than ten minutes for the staff to gather. She looked among her staff. They had been loyal to the Hio family their entire lives and become like family to Zoe and her.

Shizuka straightened her back before addressing the gathered vampires, "The Council are closing in on me. We must act immediately to protect Zoe. The Council must not get a hold of my daughter under any circumstance," she watched the looks of despair that had been on their faces at the being of her announcement turn to determined ones, "I have a tentative plan to protect her. There is a spell to seal her pureblood side and memories. It should also change her gender back to male. Zoe will once again become Kiryu Zero. After the spells completion one of you will discreetly drop her off near the Hunter's Association. I know the Kiryus will take care of her when they find out their child is still alive. The only problem is that the spell requires my life to work. I need your help to figure out a way around that."

"If I may speak my lady?" the head gardener, Marcus, spoke up, "What if a couple of us were to help with the spell and allow it to take our lives instead?"

"I could never ask that of any of you."

"Marcus and I are getting along in age, my lady, and we have come to see Zoe like a granddaughter. My husband and I would gladly give up our lives to protect her. We won't take no for an answer," Marcus' wife, Aria who was of kitchen staff, added.

Shizuka had tears in her eyes as she replied to the old couple who had become like parents to her, "Very well. I know I can't persuade you two otherwise when you have that look in your eyes. Thank you so much."

"You don't have to thank us dear. We'd do anything for you two," they replied.

Shizuka wiped her eyes before continuing, "When Zoe wakes I will explain the situation to her. We will perform the spell at dawn. Meanwhile I need the rest of you to prepare the house to be sealed. I don't want to risk anyone finding it and I refuse to destroy it. This house has had too many good memories made in it. After the spell is completed I will seal the house using my blood before leading The Council away from it. Besides Marcus and Aria the rest of you will need to find alternative arrangements until Zoe and I can return. Get some rest and then start on your tasks before leaving. Thank you all for your service."

XxX

Zoe woke for the day, got dressed, and joined her mother for breakfast. While they ate she noticed something was bothering her mother. After they finished Zoe spoke up, "Mama what's wrong?"

Shizuka smiled sadly, "Mama had some bad news my little princess."

Shizuka proceeded to tell her daughter what was going on and what was planned. Zoe broke out crying after her mother was finished, "I don't want to leave you mama!"

Shizuka gathered her up into her arms, "I don't want to leave you either baby. It's for your protection though. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you or you being used darling. It won't be forever. As soon as mama can she will get you back."

"As long as it's not forever mama. You better come back to me," she sobbed.

"Of course my little princess."

Shizuka and Zoe spent all day together, making the most of the time they had left until dawn. When the time came Shizuka put Zoe to sleep just in case the spell caused her pain.

XxX

Shizuka carried Zoe into the room they had decided to use for the spell. Marcus and Aria were already in the room when she arrived. Aria had brought a few pairs of boys clothes in different sizes for when the spell was completed.

The couple took position with Shizuka and she started the spell. They could all feel the drain it took on them. When it was finished Marcus and Aria knew they only had a few minutes left. They both kissed the now young boy on the forehead before looking up to Shizuka.

"Thank you for the time you took care of us," Marcus told her.

"You let us experience a family. We were never able to have our own kids. We love you both," Aria added.

The couple shared one last kiss before they turned to ash.

Shizuka shed tears freely as she dressed the now Zero into a pair of clothes that fit. She kissed her child on the head before passing him to Yuri, a male groundskeeper, who was trained as a shadow. Shadows were trained to be unnoticeable and were also trained in multiple fighting styles.

"Keep him safe. Drop him off outside the Hunter's Association but make sure you don't get caught."

"Of course my lady. I'll stay out of range of detection and ensure he is found."

Yuri disappeared with his precious cargo. Shizuka cried for a few more minutes before making her way to the edge of the property. She took one last look at the home she had shared with her precious daughter.

Shizuka made a smile cut on her wrist with her fangs and used the blood to seal the property.

She disappeared in a swirl of sakura petals only to appear many miles away from the property. She knew she wasn't far from the searchers from The Council. She was soon surrounded and she let them take her without a fight.

When she was back in her cell she was asked by a Council member why she hadn't fought back. It was suspicious. Shizuka replied that even she knew when she had lost. The Council member smirked before leaving.

Shizuka looked at the moon through the little window in her cell and silently prayed her child would be safe and happy till she could get her Zoe back.

XxX

Yuri stopped just outside the detection of the Hunter's Association and laid Zero down in a very noticeable spot by the road. He then flickered away only to appear in a tree about a hundred yards away where he could still keep a close on Zero but still be able to stay unnoticed.

He thanked his good luck when the next hunter to come along happened to be Yagari Toga, Zero's hunter godfather. He watched as Yagari noticed the boy.

XxX

Yagari saw an obviously unconscious form lying just to the side of the road. He then noticed the silver hair. He rushed forward, immediately thinking it was his godson Ichiru.

He kneeled next to the still form and realized this wasn't Ichiru. Ichiru had a small beauty mark just under his right eye, only noticeable when you were really close. This small boy had no such thing.

The hunter's next thought nearly stopped his heart, "Zero?"

With hope in his heart, he gathered up the boy before running into the headquarters.

Yuri gave a small smile from his hiding spot before he disappeared.

XxX

Toga burst into the Association headquarters and headed straight to the infirmary. He rushed through the door to the infirmary before gently put the still boy on the bed.

Toga turned to the doctor on duty, "I think I just found the lost Kiryu Zero. He appears unharmed but if you could check him over and see if my hunch is correct it would be appreciated."

The doctor gaped for a moment before getting to work. He took some blood and got it working on a DNA test before checking the child over. He couldn't find any injuries. The boy just seemed to be unconscious.

He checked the screen when the machine beeped with the DNA results. He turned to Toga who had sat down next to the bed, "It appears this young man is the lost Kiryu heir. Despite being missing for so long he is in immaculate health. His unconsciousness appears to be from a sleeping spell. I can wake him now or would you rather I wait till the Kiryus arrive?"

Toga grinned, "When the Kiryus arrive. I'm going to call them now," he pulled out his phone and dialed Touma's number.

When Touma picked up Toga didn't even give him a chance to say anything, "I found Zero. He's laying in a bed in the infirmary at the Association. I'm sitting next to the bed."

Touma's end was silent for a minute before he spoke, "We'll be right there."

XxX

The Kiryus didn't take long to arrive. By the time they got there the news had spread through the building. They didn't stop to thank anyone when the other people in the building congratulated them.

Touma, Chika, and Ichiru ran through the door to the infirmary. Ichiru froze when he felt something grow in his chest. I felt like a missing piece of him had fallen back into place. He walked up to the bed as tears fell from his eyes, "Zero…"

Those in the infirmary had tears in their own eyes. The doctor quickly filled in the family about the situation.

"Would you like me to wake him up now?"

"Yes! Do it please," Chika replied.

The doctor smiled and applied a counter spell.

Zero slowly woke. His eyes fluttered open and looked around the room. Zero's eyes grew wide in panic at being surrounded by so many people. He backed himself up to the wall at the head of the bed and curled up. Tears gathered in his eyes in fear.

"Who are you? What do you want?" he grabbed his head in pain, "Who am I? What am I doing here?"

Shock briefly spread through the room before it turned to understanding. Ichiru was the first to approach, hoping their connection would help. He sat on the edge of the bed and with a gentle smile, spoke softly, "Hi. I'm Ichiru. I know you probably don't remember but I'm your younger twin brother. We're six and half and your name is Kiryu Zero."

Zero looked at Ichiru and replied, "Kiryu Zero? That's me?"

"Yeah," he chirped, "and this is Kiryu Touma and Kiryu Chika, they're our parents. The man sitting next to you is Yagari Toga. He's our godfather. Do you understand what I'm talking about?"

Zero nodded, "I'm Kiryu Zero. You're Ichiru, my brother. They're Touma and Chika, our parents. And he's Toga, our godfather. Did I get that right?"

Ichiru grinned and nodded at his twin, "Yeah, that's exactly right."

XxX

Zero spent a week in the infirmary to make sure there were no complications with his health. They also tried to see if they could get his memories back from when he was missing, hoping they could finally catch who was responsible. The memories never came back.

In the month after his return to the family's home they had explained to him everything about the family lineage and what they did for a living. They, including him, were surprised when he seemed to subconsciously know it all.

It made them even more curious as to who could have taken him. Zero had obviously been well cared for and schooled.

At the end of the first month the Kiryu parents and Toga had decided Zero should start hunter training. They wanted him to be able to defend himself in case of another incident.

Ichiru joined in on the training but he was obviously not as strong as his brother. Ichiru would likely never make it to active hunter status but could more than likely have an administrative job in the Hunter's Association.

Since Zero had returned Ichiru was being mostly ignored. He understood why but it still hurt. Zero however clung to his brother. He felt their connection just as much as Ichiru did. Zero loved his brother with all his might. Something though, he didn't know what, kept him from really connecting with his parents. He tried but just felt wrong about it.

As the years passed Ichiru stayed Zero's closest person. Zero had told his brother about a year after his return that he didn't feel right. Like something about his very being was wrong. Ichiru had held his brother as Zero cried every time the feeling got too bad.

Things never improved with their parents. Ichiru was still never treated with as much attention and care from Touma and Ichika. Toga was the only one who treated them equally. Ichiru came to resent his parents but could never find it in him to hate his brother. Zero was his whole world.

XxX

Not long after the twins turned twelve, they met a vampire in a tree.

Zero had immediately felt her presence and looked at her curiously and stated, "Vampire."

Ichiru however noticed the found look the vampire gave his brother. The vampire smiled at them one last time before disappearing. When the brothers got home they kept their meeting with the vampire secret. Not feeling the need or want to tell anyone.

XxX

Later that night when the rest of the house was asleep, Ichiru snuck out wanting to talk to the vampire.

When he arrived at the same tree she had met them at, he called out for her. She appeared in a swirl of sakura petals, "What is it you want young Kiryu Ichiru?"

"You're the one who took my brother aren't you? What do you want with him? I won't let you harm him if that's what you're here for," he replied bluntly.

Shizuka smiled at the audacity of this you boy. It made her happy though knowing that he cared so much for Zero.

"My name is Hio Shizuka and I am not here to hurt him. How about I tell you a story?"

Shizuka proceeded to tell Ichiru everything and waited for his response after she finished.

"I'm glad that Zero was loved and taken care of so well. That doesn't answer me though. What do you want with him now?"

"I'm here to reclaim my daughter. Care to help? I can help you get stronger and Zero would be happy to have you with us. You and Zero could be free of your family. You would be able to get back at your parents for putting you through so much pain. What do you say?"

Ichiru didn't take long to think it over, "Deal."

XxX

Everything was going according to plan. Shizuka pulled her fangs from Zero's neck. All that was left was to give him her blood and she would have her daughter back.

"Shizuka-sama! Hunters are closing in! You need to hurry!" Ichiru yelled.

Shizuka cursed. They didn't have time. It would take too long to give Zero her blood and taking him with would lead the hunters straight to them. She couldn't risk her child like that. She'd have to find him later to finish. The bite would turn him into a Level D for now.

"We don't have time. I'll have to find him later and finish," she turned to Zero and caressed his face, "I'll be back for you."

Zero could only lay there as he watched Shizuka and Ichiru disappear. Moments later Toga's face appeared in front of his own. The look of worry was the last thing he saw before it all went dark.

XxX

So what do you guys think? Is it good? Everything after this will be the same up to Shizuka's death so I will be starting there on the next chapter. I'm sorry it took so long to get this up. I live a busy life between work and personal things. I really hope it turned out well. I'll be working on the next chapter of What's Lost Only to be Found next. Please feel free to review and give constructive criticism!

Also is anyone interested in beta reading for me? I have 2 fics in the works but you could choose to just beta read this one. It would be using Google Docs because I use it when not home. I just got a Bluetooth keyboard I can use with my phone so I can work on my stories. Google docs is the easiest thing to use and be able to possibly add a beta reader to help out. Just dm me to let me know.

-CapricornKitty

(Tyler Zeta)