VK and all affiliated characters belong to Hino-sensei, the extras are just a little added spice to the mixture.

Epilogue: Pieces of Me

Zero sprinted down the darkened path of the forest. He'd been summoned Monday by the Hunter's Association and notified that humans, mostly young ladies, were vanishing without a trace. Of course everyone deduced without much thought it was a Level End. He'd arrived and quickly picked up the scent. That was three days ago. Level Ends should not be this hard to track. He didn't know if he was off his game because it was that time of the year, or if it were smarter and stronger than usual.

He threw all thought from his mind and focused on what mattered at the moment. The hunt. He jumped over fallen logs, ducked under low hanging branches, and scrambled down a ravine. His hunter's instincts cried out to him, letting him know his prey was near. Its ragged breathing, the scent of sweat and fear, and its repulsive aura assaulted his senses. He picked up his pace, his heart dumping large quantities of adrenaline into his veins. Cutting through the darkness, his sharp eyes saw the creature up ahead, dashing across the ground with a body slung limply over its shoulder.

His eyes narrowed into slits. A young woman. Its next victim no doubt. He raised Bloody Rose and pulled down the hammer. Click. Its ear twitched and sped up its gait. Zero aimed and pulled the trigger. The familiar red light beamed forth and the bullet rocketed from chamber, boring straight into its target's skull. It crumbled into a cloud of black ash, the unconscious woman landing harmlessly to the ground, just on the outskirts of a clearing.

A large cave surrounded by bare trees stood in the glade where the body lay. He walked towards the young woman and was about to bend down to check her pulse when another aura washed over him. Another Level E. He stepped over the body and took a defensive stance, pointing his weapon at the mouth of the cave.

Soft footsteps echoed through the cave. A young boy emerged from the dark cavern and into the moonlight. His body was gaunt, his dark hair matted, and his face ashen. The tattered and dirty clothing that covered his wiry body hung from him like an oversize paper sack, engulfing his tiny form. He had to be no older than ten. "Mister?" He said curiously, his sunken eyes darting to the gun in the scary man's hand.

Dried blood stained his lips. He had recently finished feeding. The girl was just a late night snack for the father. Zero heaved a hard sigh. Damn. Why'd it have to be a kid? He placed his hand on the trigger, hesitating.

"Why are you here Mister?" Then his eyes lit up in realization. "You're a Hunter."

Zero's eyes broadened for a second. The boy was actually lucid enough to understand his unavoidable fate. Death. "Yes." He didn't like the idea of killing a child, however this child was no longer human, but a beast that lusted after blood.

He put on a brave face. His father, a Level E that survived many months, had told him about Hunters, that they were the bogeymen that tracked them down and killed them like dogs. "Save me." He begged. He didn't want to be a monster that fed upon the lifeblood of humans any longer. He didn't want to live in the shadows any longer. He wanted freedom.

Zero squeezed the gun's handle, regarding the pitiful creature trembling before him. His eyes locked with the boy's and he took in a sharp breath. He saw a lot of himself within those dejected eyes, the same strength that Kaien said resided within him was in the boy's bluish orbs. But this child had no one, and he had already awakened the vampire inside of him by drinking blood. There was no hope for him, death was his only savior. "I will…Close your eyes."

He shut his eyes.

He jerked the trigger. Bloody Rose responded, sending a bullet directly into the boy's brain. The child crumbled, leaving behind a pile of black dust. He bent over and touched the motionless girl's neck, checking for a pulse. She was dead. He cursed, turned, and began the long trek back to civilization.

The fun part, the actual hunting, was over. Now, came the paperwork, the boring monotonous paperwork. He rolled his eyes and propelled himself into the air, landing at the crest of the ravine. The new Head of the Hunter's Association, Kieji Morimoto, had finally allowed him to become a Hunter, inducting him into the Association the day after he turned eighteen. Due to his vampire abilities, he'd been rising through the ranks ever since, quickly distinguishing himself from the Hunters in his age group.

The same feeling of ice that haunted him when he was alone crept into him, wrapping its wicked fingers around his soul. He was a hunter now; he was supposed to be happy. But he wasn't, because when he was alone and his mind had freedom to roam, his thoughts drifted to the things he buried in the recesses of his soul four years ago. Solitude was supposed to be his haven, his refuge, but it was his silent tormentor, never allowing him a moment's peace, always reminding him of what and who he'd lost. He stopped and raised his eyes heavenward, gazing up past the treetops to the vast night sky.

Zero opened the door to his apartment and entered, holding a bag in his hand. He shut the door and walked across the sparsely decorated sitting room to the stand where a ten-gallon fish aquarium sat. A small smirk graced his handsome face. "Sorry I'm late." He unrolled the bag and revealed a box of fish food, opening it and taking out a pinch of the less than fragrant flakes. He opened the lid, cooing to the two speckled koi fish as he dropped in their sustenance for the day. He leaned down, watching as they swam gracefully to the top to feed. Yin and Yang, the koi fish, were the only things in his life that allowed him a measure of calm.

He showered, ate dinner, and at length laid his sleep-deprived body down to rest. His eyes halted upon the empty pillow next to him. A part of him wished that at any moment she would emerge from the bathroom and tell him how happy she was that he returned home unharmed and fall asleep in his arms. But he knew it would never happen, because she was dead. The ache that pierced him skewered his heart, splitting it from his very core. A growl of agony rumbled from within his chest. Why was it that no matter how hard he tried to cleave that day from his mind, the pain only grew more intense?

The autumn sun shined upon the park, its gentle rays peeking between the branches of the trees sporting their fall coats. Zero pulled his jacket close when a cool wind breezed by and continued walking forward towards the far end of the park. Today was the day he and Yuuki had their customary cup of tea. After graduation they went their separate ways, he moved hundreds of miles away and became a hunter while she decided to further her studies at a university. In his opinion, the university, although it was pretty far away, still did not put enough mileage between her and Kuran.

They tried to have these 'appointments' at least once a week, when he wasn't off on assignment and she wasn't loaded down with her lessons. He entered the leisure area, sweeping his gaze over the people sitting at their respective tables either playing chess or engaged in stimulating conversations as they sipped on their tea (or coffee). His eyes fell upon the young woman sitting in the corner at the far end of the area, sipping on her tea.

Her eyes sparkled when she saw her 'brother' standing over her. "Zero-kun!" She wrapped him up in a tight embrace.

He chuckled, patting her head affectionately. "Hello, Yuuki-chan."

"I'm so happy to see you," she said, looking up at him with loving eyes.

He smiled, giving a nod, and squirmed from her grasp before people began to notice them. His eyes fell upon the exquisite pink jacket she wore as they sat down. "That jacket looks expensive." He smiled when Yuuki handed him a thermos filled with piping hot tea.

"I made this for you because I figured you would want tea. It's your favorite." She smiled when he accepted it and took a timid drink from it. "Yeah it was expensive."

He raised an eyebrow. "Kuran buy it?"

She folded her arms. "What makes you think that I didn't buy it with my own money?"

He let out a laugh. "You couldn't afford something that expensive with the allowance Cross-kun sends you."

She rolled her eyes and glowered at him. "Whatever." Her features shifted to guilt. "It's not like I want him to always shower me with gifts."

He shrugged and continued sipping his tea. "It's the way he shows his love, asking him to stop would only make him feel rejected."

Yuuki's eyes sparkled hopefully. "Oh Zero-kun you're finally starting to care about Kaname-kun. I knew you'd see him for the wonderful person he is."

He snorted disdainfully. "Hell no, it's just that I want you to be happy."

She giggled, her russet eyes twinkling warmly at her adopted sibling. "Aww." She flipped her brunette locks, beaming sweetly at him, and grew serious. "Are you happy Zero-kun?"

No. He was not happy. Ever since four years ago, happiness had become a fickle thing, emerging in his life for but a few moments before vanishing into nothingness. He averted his eyes training them on the topiary behind her instead of that questing gaze. "Don't ask me such a question Yuuki- chan."

A disconsolate silence pervaded their table, choking the air of cheer that had once surrounded them. She took several sips of her tea, watching the melancholy expression of her brother silently. They needed to discuss this, it could no longer wait. "I visited Umi-chan's grave three days ago."

He kept his gaze downward, afraid that his eyes would betray him. Why did Yuuki insist on ripping the scabs from his heart after she visited Umi's grave? "That's good," he responded tremulously.

She knew it hurt him to discuss this subject, but it was needed or he would continue to decay. "Why don't you visit Umi's grave? I go every year. Aidou goes every year for crying out loud. Why can't you?"

The thermos squealed as he squeezed it, alerting him that at any moment it would cave beneath the pressure of his grip. "I…" his voice faded, overcome with the emotions he fought to control.

She took his hands in hers, her lovely face a mask of seriousness. "You can't keep doing this Zero-kun. You can't just cut her out of your life like she never existed, like you never loved her, like she was never a part of you."

He dropped his eyes to his thermos, unable to allow himself to look into those auburn pits. "It's easier this way," he spoke quietly. He lied, it wasn't easier, it hurt like a thousand and one hells, but he couldn't bring himself to go back and face the silent grave that stood as the only testimony to such a wonderful person's life.

Tears stung her eyes. "No it's not. If you keep living like this, it'll consume you and you'll waste away from the inside out." She leaned forward. "You can't get over it if you never allow yourself to grieve."

He pinched his lips.

"Please…" She gently caressed his cheek, urging him with her eyes. "Go."

He gave a heavy exhalation and nodded defeatedly. Yuuki was right.

She smiled. "Thank you." After they finished their tea, they went to a nice little bistro for lunch and spent the rest of the day together.

Zero awakened to the rising sun shining upon his naked back. He lay there momentarily, blinking the sleep from his eyes, before turning over in the bed. Sleeping next to him was a beautiful woman with jet-black hair. Kira. His lover. She was the most recent of a string of many women he tried to build a relationship with, but ultimately whatever they had would fail. They all failed, his relationships, because in the end his lovers always fell in love with him, and love was not something he was able to give. He breathed in her scent for a moment. Vanilla, not cherry blossom.

He slid smoothly out of bed, careful not to disturb her and went to go take a shower. He stepped out of the shower and toweled off, looking at himself in the mirror. His eyes looked hollow. He quickly averted his eyes. Today, he would go visit Umi's grave. He got dressed and exited the bathroom, the smell of cooking food assaulting his nose. On lead legs, he walked into the kitchen, finding Kira over the stove preparing a large breakfast. "What are you doing?"

She knitted her brow, hazel eyes staring at him inquiringly. "I'm fixing you breakfast…Why?"

Zero bristled on the inside. He knew what her preparing breakfast for him meant. It meant that she no longer saw him as simply a way to fulfill her carnal needs, but wanted a real relationship with him. He couldn't give anything more than bodily satisfaction. "People in relationships fix each other breakfast." He strode to the door and started putting on his shoes.

She put down her spatula. "What are you talking about? You've been using my shower and screwing me senseless for two months! What do you call that?"

He shifted his gaze back to his shoes, unwilling to see the pain in her eyes.

She crossed to him, touching his cheek when he stood. "Zero…I-I love you. I don't just want your body, I want your love." She grasped his hand, clenching it tightly. "I want your heart." She said desperately, trying to make him see how much she needed him.

He raised his sorrowful eyes to hers. "I'm sorry Kira, but for now, my body is all I can give." He turned and grasped the doorknob, struggling to keep his shoulders from falling when he heard her sob. "Don't worry, I won't bother you again." He unfastened the door and pulled it open, shutting it behind himself.

Zero stood upon the hill, a single blue rose in hand, looking down at the marble tombstone. Umeko Kitogirii was engraved on its fore. Seeing her name was the hardest part, because it was a painful reminder that she was truly gone, that he had to continue his life without her. He tugged at the black tie of his three piece suit (the only suit he possessed) and pocketed a hand. He slid a hand through his platinum locks, swallowing the lump in his throat.

"Umm…Sorry I haven't visited you in these past four years. I just…I just didn't want to come here, because it would force me to face the harsh reality." His voice cracked and died. He cleared his throat, controlling his emotions. "That you did exist, that I love you so much, and that I have to live without you." He clenched the rose's stem firmly, its thorns digging into his palm, stilling his trembling lip. "Why'd you do this to me?" Hot tears pricked his lavender eyes. "Why'd you leave me?"

"I didn't expect to see you here," Kaien said, observing the man standing in front of the grave.

Zero quickly blinked back the tears gathering in his eyes and turned to his former guardian, giving a deep bow. "Cross-kun." He said robotically.

Kaien, who always knew when to be serious and when to be frivolous, merely returned the bow, smiling warmly at the young hunter. He took his place next to the young man, studying him closely. It had been so long since he'd seen him look so…hollow. "It's been four years and you haven't been here since the funeral."

Tears rose into his eyes again at the Headmaster's words. He knew Cross would not approve of his absence from Umi's annual memorial, but he didn't expect him to be so accusatory. Although, he did deserve it for being so selfish. "You must think I'm some sort of asshole for not visiting the grave of the girl of loved. I just…" He silenced himself when his voice trembled.

Kaien smiled gently at the distraught man. "I don't Zero-kun. Umi's death was a harder blow to you than it was to any of us. I know it must feel like you're opening an old battle wound."

Kaien was wrong. The wound had never healed, it just sat there festering becoming an infected lesion until it was an uphill battle just to move on. Sometimes, he wanted to give up and sink into despair, but he understood that he was needed, that he had a duty as the child of the Kiryuu clan to uphold. He could not stop clambering up what seemed like an insurmountable mountain, just because he was tired. "I miss her so much." He knelt and placed a hand on the marble tombstone. The stone was cold, just like his heart.

Zero trembled, doing his finest to control the emotions barraging him. "Why did I have to lose her?" He asked, voice quaking along with his body. "Am I not meant to be happy? Am I supposed to live my life in torment?"

The Headmaster placed a hand on one of Zero's quivering shoulders. "Don't think that way Zero-kun. Everybody is meant to be happy."

Zero looked up at the older man with tearful eyes, his countenance a mirror of grief. "Then why did I have to lose her?" He repeated the question, except it was more desperate more hopeless. All the raw agony that had been building within him for four years finally breached the gates of his control, and Zero Kiryuu broke down. He bowed his head, concealing the tears that cascaded down his cheeks in profuse rivulets, and allowed sobs to wrack his body.

Kaien blinked, never in all the years he knew the young hunter had he ever witnessed him display such unadorned grief. It was…heartrending. He observed the trembling man kneeling on the ground for a few more moments, controlling his own quivering lip. Then, finally he spoke in a somber tone, "death and life go hand-in-hand Zero-kun. From the cradle to the grave we humans dance upon the edge of the abyss. Sometimes, what he hold most dear gets lost in the fire. But that's life; there is nothing we can do to change it. All we can do is sweep up the ashes and continue on." He bent down, patting the weeping man's back consolingly.

He grew quiet, mopping the tears from his eyes with a sleeve, and attempted to gather whatever calm was left in him.

"Come on, I'll put on some ginger tea and clean up the guestroom so you can stay for a few days," he spoke softly, his tone relaxing Zero.

He kissed the blue rose in his hand and placed it at the foot of the headstone, then stood and followed Kaien to his home.

Aidou strode towards the red town car idling by the curb outside of the station behind his chauffeur. He opened the door and slid into the car's leather seats, sighing contentedly. It was good to be home. He produced his cell phone from his pocket and dialed a number. "Bonsoir mon cher," he sang sweetly into the receiver. "I just arrived and I'm coming over. Be ready okay?"

He smiled when the person on the other end agreed happily. "Good, au revoir." He hanged up the phone and concealed it in his pocket, buckling his safety belt when the driver got in and cranked the car. "Take me by Miss Deumont's."

The chauffeur agreed and pulled into traffic.

Aidou looked out of the window at Paris's night sky. After graduation he relocated to France into one of his family's many vacation homes. When Kain asked him why he was moving when he would inherit the entire Aidou estate he had simply stated: because it's going to take my mother and father centuries to die and I do not wish to live with them that long. He chuckled at his own candor.

Of course Kain followed him afterwards. They could never spend too much time apart. Since high school, he'd been furthering the advancements of science and technology in many different fields: astrophysics and electrical engineering just to name a couple. He'd established himself as more than a prodigy, but as one of the greatest minds the world had ever known. But for now, he needed a vacation, time away from prying eyes.

Later, he licked the droplets of blood from his lover's neck and played a hand through her chestnut brown hair. "Il est bon d'etre a la maison."* He rolled onto the mattress and stared up at the ceiling.

Mercedes cuddled close to the beautiful vampire in her bed, planting soft kisses along his jaw line. She'd met her new lover after he rescued her from a Level E, and was quickly swept away by his boyish looks and charms. "I've missed you so very much cheri." Her hand rested on his leanly muscled belly then trailed up to his neck to that single spot that caused him to shudder at a single touch. "Did you bring me anything?"

He chuckled. "Of course I did, but you'll have to wait three days for it to arrive."

She hugged him, nuzzling his neck. "I can be patient."

"Good girl." He patted her head. "Now, no more talking, only sleeping." He had not slept in three days and wanted to get in a nap before he traveled home. He wrapped his arms around her and fell into slumber.

His eyes fluttered open and fell upon the clock next to her bed. 5:15am. Damn, he had to get going. He threw back the covers and went to take a shower. After finishing his shower and getting dressed, he kissed Mercedes's forehead and left the apartment. He got in the car, hitting the seat to awaken the driver, and buckled up his safety belt.

The car pulled smoothly up to the gate of the upscale townhouse that stood atop the hill as if pompously looking down upon the other residents of the upper-class neighborhood. The driver pressed the button and the metal gate with a large Olde English 'A' embellishing its exterior swung open.

Kain lounged upon the large white chaise, reading a book, Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. A pleasing aura cupped his vampire senses. He laid the book on the glass coffee table and sat upright. Aidou was in the house. He heard the door to the foyer close, quick footsteps, and then his cousin was standing in the room, beaming at him.

"I'm home!" Aidou announced. He closed the gap between them with a few bounding strides and wrapped his arms around his dearest kinsman.

"You're late," the taller of the two said casually. Of course he missed his cousin, but he refused to go all sentimental and sappy.

Aidou grinned up at the fiery haired vampire. "Only because you're still awake. Were you waiting up on me Akatsuki-kun?" He snuggled his face into Kain's muscular shoulder, sighing cheerfully. Together again. He released his cousin and stood, flopping down on the sofa. A servant scurried into the room at a single clap of his hand.

"Yes Master Aidou?" the maid asked, keeping her eyes downcast.

"I want a glass of Beaujolais wine now, and a couple of brioche rolls. Akatsuki-kun, do you want anything?"

Kain declined saying that he'd had a large dinner. He breathed in Aidou's scent. The faint odor of a human female still clung to his clothes. He'd thought that Aidou's affair with the Mercedes Deumont woman was a passing phase but apparently he was wrong. "You know, it's wrong of you to cheat on Hitomi with that human female."

Aidou merely laughed, tugging on his sweater and smoothing down his denim jeans. "Hitomi knows I'm sleeping with the human female, and she doesn't care, because she knows I love her." He accepted the wine the servant proffered him and took a swig.

Kain folded his arms at the sometimes insufferable vampire. He loved Ruka too much to take another lover. "But not as much as Umi-san."

An instance of pain flashed across the shorter vampire's face before he concealed it. Kain was right. He didn't love Hitomi as much as he loved Umi, hell he was starting to wonder if he loved her at all. His eyes dropped to the red liquid, watching it spiral within the glass as he swished it around.

"That's not fair to her Hanabusa. To tell her you love her when actually she was picked by default."

Aidou let out a sigh. "I'm trying Kain. It would be nice if you would recognize that instead of lecturing me all of the time."

Kain studied the guilty looking young man sitting in the Victorianesque sofa. "I'm sorry."

Aidou shrugged it off. "Sooo…" He propped his feet upon the coffee table. "…how's Ruka?"

Kain resumed lounging on the chaise. "She's fine. She called yesterday to notify me that she's almost done with her studies in Prague."

Aidou concealed the delight in his tone. If Ruka was away in Prague then perhaps she would miss it. "She's in Prague?"

Kain gazed knowingly at his cousin. He knew Aidou hoped Ruka would miss the ballet. "Don't worry Hanabusa, she'll be in attendance for the big day," he said, sarcasm lining his undertone.

Aidou almost rolled his eyes. Ruka would ruin the entire evening, but she was Kain's lover, thus she had to be tolerated. "That's great news." He drained his wine glass of its contents, starting to wonder what was taking so long to make his brioche rolls. "So I take it things between you two are golden again?"

Kain nodded. Things between he and his lover had went south for a short period of times, but with the help of his cousin he'd managed to snatch their relationship out of the fire. Their relationship was stronger and they promised to never fight about something so trivial again.

"Glad to hear it."

They engaged in stimulating conversation for a while longer before the sun rose and Aidou finished his long-awaited brioche rolls.

He yawned and stretched. "Well, I'm going to bed. See you tonight." He walked up the spiraling staircase to the second floor and hung a left to the room at the end of the hallway, opening the door. He strutted into his palatial bedroom, undressing and putting on a pair of sweatpants. His eyes fell upon the neatly made king-sized bed. He didn't want to sleep alone today. He departed his quarters for the second room on the left, opening the door quietly. His heart lifted when he saw that the person he sought still slept beneath the layers of bedcovers.

He crept around the bed and lifted the sheets, sliding gracefully beneath them. A shaky breath fled him when he scooted closer until they were almost sharing the same pillow. He drank in her luscious female scent, took in her beautiful face, and basked in her aura. Carefully he scooted to her until his hair tickled her chin and their bodies touched. "Good day Umi-chan."

Just like Kiryuu, he had been devastated when he thought she was dead. Those years before he graduated were terrible; he had relied heavily on Kain, clinging to him when he felt the harsh sting of loneliness. He'd eventually managed to progress but waving and charming the swooning Day Class girls had even lost a bit of its luster. The day after graduation, Kaname had surprised him and Kain with an invitation to his manor, and it was there that he rendered them speechless. He had called in Umi, who had been cleansed and gave her over to his care, admonishing him not to drink her blood, not to take her as a lover, and to uphold his promise no matter who he had to mislead. So, he'd moved her to Paris, France, changed her last name, and managed to, by pulling some strings, get her accepted into a well known dance troupe.

Keeping Umi here called for a lot of deception and was at times painstaking when she asked questions, but he still managed to keep her in the dark.

Umi awakened, instantly aware of the warm body pressed against hers and the hair greeting her chin. She blinked the sleep from her eyes and coddled the vampire sleeping serenely against her. Aidou reminded her of a clinging child that required attention and indulgence from those around him to feel loved, which is what everyone did, they spoiled him. He was so darned charming, that resisting the urge to spoil him was Sisyphean, futile. Even Kaname-sama fell victim to those dazzling blue eyes, although he would sooner die than admit it. A chuckle escaped her and she slipped a hand through his tousled tresses.

An image of the man with silver hair and amethyst eyes rose vividly into her mind. Her smile faded. He had been haunting her sleeping thoughts for almost four years, and still she did not know his identity. In some of her dreams they held each other, in others they talked and frolicked upon the beach. Last night, had been a first, because last night they had made love. Why did he torture her so? Why did she only feel complete when she dreamt of him?

Aidou stirred and awakened when she kissed his forehead. He looked up at her with groggy eyes. "Good morning Umi-chan."

She smiled affectionately at him. "Good morning." She giggled when he tickled her belly. "What would Fujimia-san say if she caught us like this?"

He rolled his eyes and sniffed her neck, listening to the wonderful sound of her blood rushing through her veins. Kami, he wanted to drink the heavenly liquid coursing through her body. He knew, though, that he had to resist. "She would understand, or else she would lose me as a lover."

She chuckled, vampire society never ceased to amaze her. "Of course she wouldn't want to lose you and the privilege of perhaps one day gaining the Aidou name."

"Obviously," he said arrogantly.

She giggled, sliding a hand fondly through his hair. "Alright you, I have practice today and I can't be late." She kissed his forehead and rolled out of bed, baring her red pajamas with the pink lips. "Now go to sleep, because you need it."

He snuggled his head into her pillow, drinking in her odor. "But imouto, I'm on vacation, I can stay awake as long as I want."

She brought her red Stravinsky ballet slippers, the mysterious ones that she felt lost without, out of her huge closet. "Yes, but you're like a crotchety old man when you don't get your sleep. Which in turn makes you impossible to deal with."

Aidou pouted, glowering at her mildly. "Your tongue is too sharp towards your oniisan."

She tousled his hair. "Go to sleep." With that, she finished gathering her outfit for the day and went to take a shower.

Aidou grumbled under his breath and drifted off to sleep.

Kain sat in the breakfast nook supping a glass of café au lait when Umi entered.

"You're up late," she said easily, placing her plate of grilled cheese on the table before taking her seat. She and Kain had developed a tenuous relationship, becoming more than associates but not exactly friends. If one of them got in a jam, they'd come to their aid, but wouldn't exactly go the entire extra mile.

"Only because you're up early," he stated coolly, writing something down in his notebook. He eyed her closely, noting the stressed expression circling her amber eyes. "What's wrong with you?"

She swallowed a mouthful of her cheesy sandwich before speaking, "I dreamed about him again last night. You know, the man's with the lavender eyes that's been plaguing my dreams for almost four years."

He continued writing, not bothering to look up. "I see." Her dreams about Kiryuu were an ever-present problem they had to grapple with. Kain didn't consider himself an idealist but it was actually quite romantic the way her brain still held onto his image this long.

"And in this dream we were…" she trailed off, her cheeks reddening considerably. "…well you know. I know Aidou-kun says they're just dreams from the book I may have read before my Cleansing, but they seem so real."

Kain shrugged, keeping his auburn eyes on his notebook as he wrote down his thoughts. "Dreams are just the lives we live while we're asleep. They seem real, but they're not, they're just ghosts."

Her eyes dropped to her hands. She knew Kain was right, but still they seemed so real, like she had known him once. "I know Kain, but when I dream about him, they almost seem like…memories."

He met her gaze with those words.

"Like a past life or something," she said sincerely, her gaze going distant.

He took a big gulp of his beverage, growling when it went down hot. "Why don't you speak to Hanabusa about these things?"

She gave a small sigh and allowed her shoulders to sag. "Because it makes him sad when I talk about him."

Kain kept the same poker face, but inside he was battling his conscience. It wasn't the lying that bothered him so much, it was the fact that they were keeping her memories, things that were divinely entitled to her, out of her grasp. "Yeah." He scooted his chair back and stood, notebook in hand. Without another word he departed the breakfast nook for his room.

She finished her breakfast, gathered her duffel bag, and went to practice. Later, she sat on the bench of the locker room strapping on her ballet slippers. The other dancers were already onstage, and usually by now she would be as well, but today she just felt like being alone. Gently she caressed the red ballet slippers, for some reason feeling like a small piece of her was put in place when she wore them. Who gave you to me? A lustful aura washed over her.

A very handsome man swaggered into the room. "Marie and Antoinette want to know why you've been wearing the same ballet slippers for three years." He said as he strutted to her, his gray eyes glinting hungrily.

She tied her lengthy locks into a ponytail, rolling her shoulders. "I can't bring myself to part with them for some reason." She stood tugging at her shirt.

He ogled her body, enjoying the way her tights hugged her every curve. God, he wanted her. "So I see." In two quick steps, he stood in front of her, barely giving her an inch of space. He tilted his head to the side, grinning smoothly. "When are you going to let me take you out to dinner?"

She looked up into his eyes, holding his gaze challengingly. "What, so you can fuck me afterwards like all your other whores, Tristan?" she queried venomously.

He chuckled good-naturedly. "Nasty mouth for a lovely bird like yourself," he observed, dropping into his native British accent.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm a ballerina, not a lady. Now move."

He grasped her hand and pushed her against a locker, twisting her arm above her head. "I've got to admit Umeko, you turn me on like no other." He allowed his fangs to show and his eyes to tinge pink. "But what makes you think I would do that to you?"

She remained calm, tilting her chin up in defiance. "Because that's your m-o. And because Aidou-kun says you're a philandering cur that will jump anything with two legs, vampire or human," she growled, acid lining her tone.

Her words did not bother him, if anything her spunk made him want her all the more. "He's right. But you're the apple of me eye luv. All I desire is to take you to Le Petit Palais, having it off afterwards would be a bonus, not anticipated."

She snorted. "I'm so sure." A shiver ran through her when he pressed his hips to hers, allowing her to feel the affect she had on him.

"If we do, and I'm not saying we would, I promise to cook breakfast for you," he spoke silkily, leaning over to lower soft kisses down her neck.

Her eyes rolled when he allowed his lips to linger on that perfectly erogenous spot. It had been so long since she allowed anyone to touch, let alone puncture that site. Her body responded, shuddering against him as he tongued her, sending fire barreling straight to her loins. But her mind protested, telling her that his lips did not belong there, that he did not have the right to caress that wonderful place. Clearing the fog from her mind and the desire to have someone pierce her neck she pushed against him.

"Time for rehearsal." Their choreographer, Nicole de Moncrief, said sternly, glaring at them from the doorway.

Tristan let out a frustrated growl and drew away. He licked his lips, aiming a predatory smile her way before leaving the room.

She informed the choreographer that she would be along, before leaning against the locker to touch her neck. Why had it felt so wrong that another man touched her there? She touched the white jade butterfly pendant hanging around her neck and glanced down at her shoes. Were these trinkets pieces of a past life? She swallowed and shook her head, getting herself into the right mindset before exiting the room and taking her place onstage to rehearse.

Aidou stood in front of his mirror adjusting his tie. Hitomi had surprised him by arriving early for her vacation and now they were going on a double-date with Kain and Ruka. He sighed. Time for the charade to begin. An involuntary smile softened his face when Umi entered his chambers. "How was rehearsal?"

She shrugged and walked to him, brushing invisible lint from his suit jacket. "Excellent. You got a date?"

He smiled at her and nodded. "Yeah, Hitomi-chan arrived in town today. So we are going to dinner with Kain and Ruka."

"Oh. Okay." She hated when she was left alone in the large townhouse, it made her feel cold and helpless, but she refused to deprive Aidou of happiness. So she kept her mouth shut. "Well, have fun." She kissed his forehead and walked away.

He tilted his head to the side curiously. "Umi-chan, what's wrong?"

She turned in the doorway, forcing herself to smile. "Nothing, I'm just bushed, Nicole ran us like packhorses today." She faked a yawn and stretch. "I'm just gonna go to take a bath and go to bed."

He smiled affectionately at her. "Okay. Sleep well."

"Good night." She scurried from the room and went into her bedchambers. She waited until she was absolutely sure they were gone before she went downstairs and sat down on the plush sofa. With a sigh, she took out her leather bound journal and began writing down the thoughts that plagued her psyche. It was so quiet here, so depressingly silent, save for the sound of her pen scrawling across the parchment paper. She felt so incomplete, like she was the missing piece to a puzzle that she couldn't remember, like her heart were stone and her soul slept, waiting for the one that held her other half to bring her back to life. Trying to focus, she continued to write in her journal until she fell asleep.

She awakened with a jerk, those lavender eyes still fresh in her mind. She felt complete in her dreams, but when she awakened loneliness tore into her, its cruel talons slashing her heart to shreds and rending her happiness asunder. In an effort to stave off the biting chill of solitude, she hugged herself tightly, closing her eyes in an attempt to keep her tears at bay. She wanted to run away, to retreat into herself, to withdraw into her dreams, because that seemed like the only way to gain sanctuary. But, she couldn't withdraw into her dreams, that would hurt Aidou too much. All she could do was continue putting up the charade, hiding behind the laughing mask while she continued to descend into depression.

Hot tears spilled onto her cheeks. Aidou was living his life, leaving her behind. She continued to sob. That's the way it seemed, like everyone around her were living their lives, progressing along their bejeweled paths, while she stood still, abandoned to solitude's malicious caresses. She curled up on the sofa, holding herself. She didn't want to be alone, not tonight. She got up and ran upstairs to find a suitable outfit.

An hour later she stood outside the apartment door of the man she swore she would never allow to charm her with his honeyed tongue. A chill ran over her as the sane part of her chastised her actions. She knew it was juvenile to sleep with a guy just because she was lonely, but she told herself that it would be okay. She told herself, that it would be just one night and she wouldn't get trapped. She knocked on the door and waited anxiously, thinking maybe she should cut and run.

The door opened and Tristan stood there, leaning against the doorway. His eyes glinted hungrily when he saw the woman of his carnal fantasies standing in front of him. The outfit she wore hit her in all the right places. "Can I help you?" He said flashing a suave grin.

She felt the lust rolling from his aura, tingeing his eyes scarlet, and lengthening his fangs. Hiding the doubt that lingered within her she pushed past him and entered his home, sweeping her eyes over his loft. The décor was characteristic of a bachelor pad complete with shag carpet and liquor cabinet. She swayed around the room examining his décor, fully aware that he was ogling the plunging back of her dress.

He closed the door, locked it, and walked towards the wine cabinet. "So what brings you here?" He picked out a bottle of wine and was about to open it when she stopped him. "Don't worry, I'm not trying to get you zonked so I can take advantage of you," he said, punctuating the sentence with a sexy grin.

She inched closer to him until her breasts rubbed against his arm and directed a hungry gaze up at him. "Let's skip all the pleasantries, there's no need to pretend this is anything more than what it is." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him passionately, caressing his fangs with her skillful tongue while one hand played in his air and the other went down his pants. A sense of satisfaction went through her when she felt him shudder. She drew back, panting heavily, body aching for the carnal pleasure she'd been missing for almost four years. "Where's the bedroom?" she asked, voice husky with want.

His nostrils flared and he swept her up in his arms, carrying her to his lavish bedroom. Needless to say that Tristan got his wish ten-fold, not only getting the chance to sleep with her but he also drank her blood, twice. He rolled off her, panting, sweat forming a sheen on his pale skin, and licked the ruby drops from her neck. Gently he cupped her cheek in his hand, nuzzling her nose. "You are indeed a gem Umeko," he said, running his hands through the inky hair that concealed his silk pillows. He chuckled when she gave a small smile before falling asleep. "Asleep already eh?"

Umi was not asleep, she was wide awake. She didn't want to talk to or look at him. She felt dirty, like she had become one of his many whores, one of his conquests. In her drunken pleasure she had allowed him to suck her blood, twice. She was worse than dirt. She felt him cuddle next to her and soon, he was sleeping. Momentarily she waited until finally she was sure that he was sleeping, and not just playing possum, before cautiously sliding out of bed and tiptoeing to her clothes. She reached for her lace panties but decided to just pull on her red charmeuse dress when he stirred. She picked up her shoes and endeavored to put them on while simultaneously trying to get to the front door. When she finished strapping on her shoes she exited the home, picking up her purse on the way out (making sure to place her undergarments in the brown clutch).

Ohgodohgodohgod, she repeated in her mind. She couldn't believe she just did something so foolish. "Jeez Umi-chan, how stupid could you be?" She got in the nearest coach, silently demeaning herself the entire trip to the townhouse. Once inside the home, she dashed upstairs to her bedchambers and stumbled into the bathroom. She stood over the luxurious bathtub and cut on the water, waiting until the hot water steamed before turning the cold knob. She poured all sorts of bath oils and crystals into the running water. After the tub was almost filled she stepped into the hot water, sinking down to the sitting position. She needed to get clean, to wash away her mistake, to purge her body. Tristan probably thought she was some kind of whore that slept with random men when she felt lonely or horny.

Despite the pleasure that she had experienced with Tristan, she still felt empty and unfulfilled. There was nothing she could do to feel complete. She gathered her knees to her chest, causing the water to stir, and wept, her sobs echoing throughout the bathroom walls.

Aidou walked into his quarters surprised to find Umi cuddled up in his covers. He smiled and crossed to his bed, swiping a hand through her dark hair. He undressed in his large closet, finding a suitable pair of silk pajamas, and climbed in next to her. Fighting the urge to avail himself of a few feels he snuggled close and was just about sleep when she turned and looked at him with eyes full of suffering. "Imouto what's wrong?"

He touched her cheek gently. "People that are fine do not cry Umi-chan."

She shook her head, pinching her lips in an effort to keep the tears at bay. "Nothing, I'm fine."

She lay on her back looking up at the chandelier hanging from the ceiling. "I said I'm fine."

Aidou blinked at the harsh tone, but refrained from pouting. "Akatsuki," he called when his kinsman passed the door.

Kain backpedaled and stopped in the doorway. "Yeah?"

Aidou sat up in the bed. "Something is wrong with Umi-chan, make her tell me."

Umi growled. Damn Aidou. She could keep secrets from Aidou with no problem, but not from Kain, because no matter how valiantly she tried she couldn't hold her tongue when he turned those penetrating auburn eyes in her direction.

Kain walked into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. It's not like he was going to get to make love to Ruka anyway, because of her stupid Applied Sciences professor. Was it a crime not to assign homework on the weekend? "What's wrong?"

She sighed helplessly. "It's just… I feel so alone, so incomplete, like I'm the missing piece to a puzzle." A single tear found its way over the brim of her eye and trickled down her cheek. "The only time I feel complete is when I slumber, when I'm with the stranger that plagues my dreams." Her amber eyes developed a distant appearance in them. "Sometimes I wish there were a fushigiri that would make me sleep permanently so I could dream forever."

The shorter male vampire's azure eyes widened. "Don't say that! That is no life for you Umi-chan."

She turned her eyes on the fretting vampire looking down at her. "And this one is? I'm not living Hanabusa-kun, I'm simply existing, like a ghost floating from place-to-place seeking peace and wholeness where there is none." She sat up, folding her hands in her lap. "Living in a world where my mind betrays me, where my dreams seem more real than my reality. What kind of life is this?" She inquired hopelessly, tears cascading down her cheeks.

Aidou averted his gaze when Kain glared at him accusingly and encircled her in his arms. "Shhh…" he cooed softly. "Sleep Umi-chan." He hummed a lullaby that plunged her into a dreamless slumber and eased her down to the mattress. "She'll be fine by tonight."

Kain grasped his cousin's wrist and dragged him into the private study. "I can't do this anymore. I can't keep up this charade."

Aidou folded his arms and glowered at the taller vampire. "Then you can leave." He walked to his desk, keeping his back to his kinsman so he wouldn't reveal the distressed expression plastering his handsome face.

His words stung, but Kain did not let that stop him. "You're not going to keep this up either."

Aidou stopped in midstride and turned upon his kinsman, indignation in his sapphire eyes. Since when did Kain start telling him what to do? "And what makes you say that?"

"Because this is wrong Aidou." He said calmly. "It's not that I care that much about her, it's that what we're doing is wrong."

"You're no stranger to deception Akatsuki."

He bit his lip, calming his temper, the small temper he had. "That's not the point. Deception is one thing Hanabusa, but we're distorting the girl's memories, things that are divinely entitled to her. It's not right." He began pacing the floor. "Just look at how screwed up she is because of all this."

Aidou's guilt started gnawing at the boundary he'd built on his conscience. "She's fine." He said more to himself than to Kain. He needed to make himself believe she was fine, that deceiving her was not driving her deeper into despair; because that was the only way he could continue with this farce.

Kain stopped and glared at his cousin. "She's not fine. The girl wants to trap herself in her dreams rather than actually live. I would call that screwed up. You may agree with Kaname-sama on this, but I don't and I won't stand by and watch her fall into the abyss. Kaname-sama put you under oath, so only you can do something about this."

Aidou trembled. He knew that everyday Umi slipped away a little more, but he couldn't stand to let her go, because he knew this time it would be forever. "I can't do it."

Kain clutched his kinsman's shoulders, gazing deeply into his eyes. "I know you want to make her happy more than anything Hanabusa," he said softly, "but you cannot fulfill her, only Kiryuu can do that. So let her go and fix this, or both of you will lose her."

The blonde closed his eyes. He didn't want to let Umi go, not when their lives were just starting together. But, Kain spoke the truth and he would rather Kiryuu have her than never see her again. She'd probably hate him when she found out what he'd been keeping from her. He leaned against his cousin, burying his face in his chest. "Okay."

Zero strode down the street to his residence, letting his eyes roam over the Victorian houses and streetlamps. He shivered when the cool autumn gust breezed past him, tousling his hair. Ignoring the sleek red town car sitting on the curb, he walked into his apartment building and to the second floor to his condo. His hunter's instincts screamed 'vampire' as soon as he touched the knob, but instead of going on the defensive, he merely groaned. Hanabusa Aidou. He started to turn and leave, but his ego got the better of him (what would it look like if a hunter allowed a vampire to run him from his own home?). Dammit. He unlocked the door with the key and entered his condo.

Aidou sat on his dark sofa, legs propped upon his coffee table like he owned the apartment. "Ah, you're home. So how are you?"

Zero grit his teeth, cooling his jets so he would at least be able to hold a decent conversation with the noble. "Fine, you?" He hung his jacket on the coat rack, strode to his kitchen, and opened the refrigerator, taking out a blood orange.

"Oh I'm great." He said cheerily. "How's the hunting?"

Zero growled irritably. "What the hell do you want, Aidou?" He took a knife and started cutting the orange into slices.

Aidou rolled his eyes, he was trying to be cordial and Kiryuu was being rude. "Fine, I'll get straight to the chase, since this matchbox you call a home is making me claustrophobic." He stood and sauntered to the cabinet where Zero stood slicing up his orange. "What is that?"

He finished slicing up the blood orange, throwing the skin in the wastebasket, and poured himself a glass of grape juice. "A blood orange."

"Oh." He made a mental note to buy a bag of those, since he seriously doubted the Hunter was going to let him sample a slice. Then, remembering why he came, he fished around in his coat pocket, following the silver-haired man to the living room. He proffered the cantankerous man a slip of paper. "Here take this."

Zero glanced at it disdainfully. "What's that?" He popped the fleshy orange slice into his mouth.

Aidou folded his arms and shifted his weight to one leg. "It's a ticket."

Zero snorted boorishly. "To what?"

"In two days the newest rendition of the Tchokavsky ballet Lover's Moon will be performed at the Soleil Hall starting at seven 'o' clock sharp. And this…" He held up the ticket. "…is your ticket to that ballet performance."

"I don't want it." He declined snappishly.

Aidou restricted the urge to pop the hunter's head like the gross little zit he was and decided on a different approach. "They're front row." He waved them enticingly.

Zero grunted and took a gulp of juice. "I don't give a shit." He wanted Aidou out of his apartment, now. He could do without vampires in his life

Aidou rolled his lips inward, sighing in vexation. He tapped his lip thoughtfully. Zero and Umi couldn't get back together if they didn't see each other. "Yuuki is going to be there, and it would make her very happy if you came."

He held the red flesh of the fruit prone in his hand. Goddamned vampire knew his weakness. On the other hand, he did want to see Yuuki. "Fine." He snatched the ticket from the vampire's hand controlling a grin when the other worked his jaw.

"It's black-tie only so find whatever suit you have and wear it. Ichijo-san will be here at four to pick you up. Be ready." With those words he exited the home without as much as a goodbye or glance over his shoulder.

Zero looked himself over in the mirror, his hair was brushed (although it still hung in his face), his dark suit ironed to perfection, and his necktie impeccably knotted. "Looking good Kiryuu." He smiled to himself and glanced at the clock, 3:55pm.

Someone knocked on his door.

He smiled softly. Takuma, the only vampire whose company he actually mildly enjoyed. He stuffed his wallet in his back pocket and strode to the door, opening it for the cheery vampire. "Takuma."

Takuma smiled mirthfully at the Hunter. "It is nice to see you again Kiryuu-san." He hugged him tightly, nuzzling his nose in the beautiful man's jacket. "I've missed you." His emerald eyes sparkled dazzlingly, drawing him in.

The same haze began fogging his brain. "Takuma," he warned.

Takuma chuckled and drew away, smiling merrily. "I can't help it you smell so delicious Kiryuu-san." He turned in the doorway. "Now come, we mustn't linger or we will be late."

Zero followed the noble out of the apartment and to the glossy black limousine. He bent low and climbed in when the chauffeur held the door open for them, opting not to go in before Takuma. The leather seats squeaked when he sat down, settling into them easily. "Shiki."

The aloof vampire bristled in his white suit and gave a nod to him.

Takuma shut the door and settled into the seat, pretending there wasn't a cloud of tension in the air. He put his safety belt on just before the vehicle smoothly accelerated. A smile graced his face when he looked down at the Hunter's feet, his shoes weren't shined. Kiryuu was so predictable at times. He reached in one of the sidecomparments and pulled out a pair of black flawlessly shined dress shoes. "Here you are."

Zero looked at the proffered shoes curiously. "I have on formal shoes."

Shiki snorted. "They're not shined. Gah, don't know any goddamn thing?"

The Level-D growled at the aristocrat, wanting nothing more than to draw Bloody Rose. "Why don't you shut the hell up?"

Takuma quieted them. "Please don't take offense Kiryuu-san, what Shiki means is that you cannot go to a highly esteemed place like Soleil Dancehall without your shoes shined." He handed Zero the shoes, nearly shoving them in his lap. "So, these are for you." He examined them. "Size twelve right?"

"Right." He pushed his feet out of his shoes, putting them aside for the newer shoes. "Thanks Takuma." He flashed a small smile at the blonde.

Takuma found himself slightly blushing that Zero would smile at him. "Oh you're welcome." He calmed himself however when Shiki shot him a dirty look

Soleil Dancehall was the jewel of the city, the center of artistic activity. The elite class from all over crowded into the immense building, all dressed in their overly expensive garb. Zero sighed when they entered the grand Gothic building, enjoying its muted colors and antique ornaments. He followed the nobles in front of him, trying not to seem like a perpetrator amidst the glittering aristocrats pompously attired in their costly garments. The aristocratic vampires and wealthy humans flitted about the lobby engaging each other in small talk and conversation, causing a muted chatter.

Inwardly he frowned. There were enough dead animal pelts hanging around the neck of the wealthy women to start a damned trading post. He caught the dirty looks some of the men and women shot him as he walked past and deduced they were vampires. Damn. Thank goodness he'd brought Bloody Rose.

"Zero-kun!" Yuuki called, waving from her place next to Kaname, who was standing near the entrance listlessly conversing with an older noble.

Zero's eyes lit up, happy to have his dearest 'sister' in sight. He had to admit, she looked rather fetching in the black off-the-shoulder evening gown that snugly hugged her small frame and the white elbow length gloves, little black clutch, black flower headband adorning her upswept locks, diamond necklace and earrings, and stiletto heels she wore to complete the look. She was truly coming into her own, blooming into a beautiful rose. He walked to her, disregarding Kaname, and put an arm around her shoulder affectionately. "Hi Yuuki-chan."

She smiled adoringly up at her brother. "You look so handsome in your suit Zero-kun," she gushed, examining his appearance.

He took the compliment gracefully, giving a polite thank you. "You look beautiful yourself Yuuki-chan." Too pretty to be with that sadist. A chill ran through him when said sadist ended his conversation with the noblemen and turned his expressionless gaze upon him. Was that surprise he saw in the depths of those ruby orbs?

Kaname quelled the twitch creeping to his upper lip. How did Kiryuu get here? He sent an inquiring gaze to Takuma who raised an eyebrow, but then seemed to realize he'd made a mistake. His eyes narrowed. Why would Takuma bring Kiryuu along if he did not wish it? This had Hanabusa Aidou written all over it. "Kiryuu, I am pleased to see you."

"Are you sure you're not surprised?" He asked, allowing the triumph to line his gaze.

Kaname chafed inwardly. Damned Level-D. Why did he make it a habit of challenging him in public? "I am. I didn't think you would ever attend an event with this level of sophistication."

Shiki coughed to mask a chuckle. He never tired of observing Kaname-sama and Kiryuu rib each other.

Takuma noticed the attention they were getting from the attendees, both vampire and human. He needed to diffuse the situation quick, before Kiryuu lost his temper. He gave an easy chuckle. "You both are so clever," he said merrily, attempting to ignore the small dosage of displeasure his lord projected towards him. He knew he should have spoken with Kaname first instead of just trusting Aidou. That little imp was going to feel his wrath.

Yuuki grasped her stewing lover's arm. "Kaname-kun."

He regarded her, looking down into those eyes that seemed to plead with him to be nice. He shot the hunter a glare. "Very well then." He threw him a half-smile half sneer. "I hope you enjoy your evening."

Zero growled at the pureblood, watching him escort his sister into the crowd. Four years, four goddmaned years, and he still hated that friggin bastard. He stood there alone, since all the other noble vampires that he knew scattered to go mingle with those of their status. With a snort, he found a column to lean against, warily noticing the side-glances the vampires gave him. They knew he belonged to Kaname, and thus would not harm him, but that did not stop them from staring daggers at him. He clicked his tongue and maintained his piss-off demeanor.

"You came," Aidou said to the hunter, not bothering to introduce his date for the night, Hitomi.

Zero sighed. Great, his least favorite vampires.

Ruka, who stood arm-in-arm with her dear lover Akatsuki, rolled her eyes. "Don't act so surprised Aidou. You know if it has anything to do with his precious sister he's going to come running." She sneered at him nastily. "Tail wagging and all."

Zero's expression darkened and he sucked his fangs, sure that the veins in his necks were visible by now. He beseeched whatever divine deity that even bothered to listen to him to give him strength to control his temper so he resisted the urge to draw Bloody Rose and start blasting vampires to kingdom come. "You three would know, wouldn't you?"

Ruka glowered at the Level-D. "Honestly Aidou, it concerns me that you would keep company with such crude individuals."

Kain patted her hand. They didn't need an instance of violence here, not with all the humans present. "Excuse us." He bowed to his kinsman and strode away with his date in tow.

Zero followed them with angry lavender depths as they disappeared into the sea of people. "So, are you sitting down front too?"

Aidou and Hitomi chuckled as if Zero had just cracked a joke. "No, we're sitting in the balcony." He forced a polite tone. "Do try and control yourself prefect. And, I'll meet you at the door during the intermission." He pointed at the entrance to the building.

A grandfather clock chimed seven times, signifying the program was about to start. After giving his ticket to the rotund man guarding the door he walked down the carpeted aisle of the immense auditorium until he found his seat in the front row. He sat down in the comfortable chair, swiping a hand in his hair to calm his nerves. For some reason, his gut was telling him his life was about to change. The lights in the theater darkened and the lights on the huge stage popped on, drawing all attention to where the evening's spectacle would unfold.

The curtains lifted and two men armed with what looked like katana swords leapt onto the stage and began to dance, making it appear as if they were truly fighting.

Umi stood backstage, watching her fellow cast mates on the stage. She let out a nervous breath, tugging at her kimono-like garment. Okay it was almost time for her first appearance in the ballet. She told herself not to worry, that Aidou was watching from the balcony, silently cheering her on. She imagined herself as a leaf, the stage as the air currents lifting her hither and thither, the audience as all of nature. Koishi, the samurai she was to fall in love with who was played by Tristan, 'killed' his enemy. It was time for her to come and thank him. Okay here we go, just breathe. She stepped onto the stage.

Zero's eyes widened and all other things vanished. That walk, that hair, that magnificent odor, he would know it anywhere. Umi. She was alive?! But he watched her die. No, he watched her fade away and just assumed she was dead. He was thunderstruck. Every part of him shouted for him to leap onstage and sweep her up in his arms, but his legs refused to move as if they were nailed to the floor. Was this the reason why Aidou told him to control himself? Did he know that she would be dancing tonight?

He watched her dance upon the stage, leaping and moving in sinuous twirls that were perfectly executed. All others on the stage disappeared, there was only Umi moving to the sensual beat of the music, her movements translating the melody into motion. As Zero studied the beautiful woman gracefully moving across the stage, for the first time in four years, his heart awakened, snatching him from the edge of despair.

An hour and half later, during the intermission, Aidou walked down the aisle and grasped the hunter's, who was trying to register the fact that his dead lover was actually alive, hand. He flashed before the temperamental man could protest and make a scene.

Zero looked around at his surroundings; they were outside of Soleil Dancehall near the alley. He shuddered off the effects of flashing, and glared at the blonde. "What the fuck is going on?" he snarled. "Umi's alive!"

Aidou nodded. "Yeah."

Zero studied the vampire. Had she been alive the entire time? "The entire time?"

Aidou nodded. "Yes." He gave the hunter his space just in case he decided to lash out at him. "She's been living with me the entire time."

His nostrils flared and his face contorted in anger, his thoughts conjuring up that selfish jerk-off making love to Umi.

Aidou chuckled easily, knowing full well what was going through the man's head. "Don't worry I didn't touch her in that way."

He calmed. Then another question entered his mind. If Umi had been alive the entire time, why hadn't she come to him? She said she loved him. So why did she stay away and allow him to think she was dead all these years? Had she stayed away because she lied about loving him? Had he been just a toy of hers to throw away when she grew tired of it? "Why…?"

Aidou swallowed hard. He understood how much it would hurt Kiryuu to learn the truth. "She doesn't remember you, Kiryuu. To her you're just a man in her dreams."

Aidou's words scored Zero to his crux, poisoning the heart that had awakened only a little while ago. "You're lying," he replied, not wanting to believe what the vampire spoke. If she didn't remember him, then she didn't remember the love they had shared. The thought that he had been forgotten by the woman that saved him from self-destruction surrounded his soul with ice, freezing it until he felt numb inside. The light of the streetlamp glinted off the silver tears glistening in his mauve eyes.

"I'm not." He put a hand on the taller vampire's shoulder.

He glared at the vampire, jerking his shoulder out of his grasp. He refused to believe the vampire. "Yes you are!" He bellowed, voice raw with emotion, ignoring the peculiar glances he got from the loiterers on the street.

Aidou backed away from the man and fished a folded piece of paper from his pocket, holding it up in presentation. "This is a page from Umi-chan's journal." He unfolded the paper, turning it so Zero could see that it was indeed her handwriting, and began to read:

"October 9th. Dearest journal, I dreamed about him again, the man with the amethyst eyes that gaze so lovingly at me. I don't know what to do anymore. Every night I close my eyes I seem him, beckoning me with those lavender eyes, his silver hair glinting in the moonlight. I fear he is an apparition sent to torture me, to rob me of my sanity until I can no longer distinguish between the dream world and reality. I try to act as if it does not bother me that I am only complete when I dream, that I feel abandoned to agonizing loneliness, that there is an emptiness that threatens to consume me, that my heart is dying a slow torturous death. Aidou tells me that if I dance long enough I will be happy. But dearest journal I fear that even if I danced for a thousand years, I would still feel dead inside, I would still feel as if I am the missing piece to a puzzle, that the man in my dreams holds in his hands pieces of me. So journal, every day I shall pretend that I am happy, looking forward to my dreams where the silver-haired phantom that haunts them waits to embrace me."

The blonde folded the paper, thinking about how displeased Umi would be that he and Kain snooped through her journal. "Those are her words Kiryuu. I don't know how her memories of you managed to be turned into dreams during her Cleansing. Actually I don't understand how they survived at all, but they did. And she needs you."

Before he could speak an ominous aura overshadowed them both. He snarled irritably. Kuran. Sure enough, said pureblood glided toward them gracefully.

"Aidou-san, go back inside, Zero and I have a few matters to discuss," he commanded as soon as he was near.

Aidou gulped, wondering when his punishment was going to be handed down, and scurried in the grand building's direction. It hurt him to let Umi go, to hand her over to Zero, but he wanted her happy even if it wasn't with him.

"You did this," he rumbled stonily, resting a withering glare at the brunette standing in the dim streetlight. He should have known that Kuran was behind this, because only a sadistic bastard would take away her memories of him.

Kaname placed a hand in his pocket, his expression impassive. He could relate to Zero's reaction, understanding what it was like to lose love. This was another way they were bound together, for he had already regained his love while Kiryuu had yet to recapture his. Right now, however, he had to deal with the fuming young man in front of him without causing a scene. "You're right."

The veins in Zero's neck rose in rigid cords, his eyes narrowed to nothing, and his face was stamped with unadulterated hatred. "You sonofabitch!" He reached in his inner shirt pocket and grasped his gun. This time, he was going to put a bullet in Kuran's head. Yuuki would probably hate him, but right now he wanted Kuran out of existence.

Kaname's eyebrow twitched dangerously and before the impudent hunter could grasp his gun he had grabbed hold of him and had him pressed against the wall of a dark alley.

Air rushed from his lungs, weakening his limbs but still he bared his fangs at the vampire prince. "I'm gonna kill you," he stated wrathfully, struggling against his grasp.

Kaname smiled at the silver-haired man. It had been so long since he and Kiryuu had been so close, that their proximity caused him to shudder. He missed the scent of the young man's blood. "I'm sure you will try. Now calm down, you'll draw attention to us."

Zero continued to struggle against the older vampire. "Shut up!" Fighting against Kuran was futile, but he didn't care he wanted him out of his eyesight.

Kaname sighed. "I can't talk to you when you're like this." He exerted a sliver of the control purebloods held over lower ranking vampires and calmed the hunter.

Zero felt an unnatural calm wash over him. What the hell was Kuran doing to him now? His limbs relaxed and he leaned against the brick wall, all the spark gone. "Why'd you do this? To punish me? Well you succeeded you sadistic bastard."

The pureblood felt the rising need to harshly discipline the impertinent Level-D, but alas, he was bound by his word. He sniffed Zero's neck and nuzzled his cheek, as if he were reclaiming him as a member of his clan. "I like your cologne Zero," he purred softly, licking the lower vampire's earlobe. "But I am afraid that I do not owe you an explanation for my actions, my little one."

"So you did what you did simply because you could?" He growled when he felt a fang brush over the shell of his ear. If he overreacted to Kaname's unwanted attention he would only give the pureblood reason to intensify his efforts, so he remained as calm as possible.

Kaname looked at the smaller vampire, giving a gentle smile. "Exactly."

He sneered derisively. "Arrogant prick."

The brunette ignored the other's words and pressed against him harder, grasping his neck and tilting his head back so he could tongue his puncture site. "I will tell you how to regain Umi-chan's love, now listen closely. When she comes to you, and she will come to you, mate with her." He whispered sensually, his cool breath tickling that sensitive location. A chuckle escaped him when he felt the young man flinch and lust roll from his aura. "A two-way bond is a powerful thing, Zero. It can even unblock memories." He touched his cheek, gazing into those incredible mauve eyes momentarily. He drew away from the lower level vampire and turned, and swaggered away. He had barely made it to the streetlight when heard an audible click.

Zero held Bloody Rose aimed at the pureblood his grip not shaking in his least, his expression murderous. "I told you I was going kill you tonight."

Kaname restrained his aura so it didn't cause all the windows of Soleil Hall to explode. Kiryuu was such a jumbo-sized thorn in his side. "These past years Umi and I have grown quite close. It would be a shame for you to lose the love of the two people you hold most precious by killing me."

Zero's countenance faltered, but his grip remained steady. Umi not remembering him was one thing, but her hating him was a horse of different breed. There was no doubt he would fall into the abyss if she looked at him with hatred in those beautiful topaz eyes. There was no reason for him to live without the love of Yuuki and Umi. His eyes fell upon the pureblood that stood there with a smug smile, completely aware that Zero would do nothing to jeopardize the love of both women towards him. He growled in frustration. No matter what Kuran did to him, no how matter how he punished him, he could not kill him not when he held the undying affection of both of those he held most dear. He holstered his gun.

Kaname smiled and gestured for him to follow him. "Come along, Zero."

Zero fell in step with the brunette, silently stewing.

"I know that you dislike me Zero but you and I are bound, which is why you must stay in my kingdom." He stated casually. It was true, he knew Zero hated him, but they had to get along because society depended upon them. "When the time comes, you will know everything, just wait a little while longer."

Zero walked in front of the older vampire getting to the door first, knowing the blow he dealt to Kaname's pureblood ego by deliberately entering the building before him. "Fuck you Kuran." He growled before disappearing in the crowd. There were times that he absolutely loved the anonymity the Council of Elders required of vampire society. He could just imagine the livid expression on the pureblood's face. His life was an uphill battle but it was not without its moments.

He sat in his seat, waiting nervously for it to start. He knew he should have went home to avoid the intense hunger that would ascend into him, but he needed to see her again, to see if what he saw was real and not some hallucination from all that mushroom soup he ate for breakfast. A sigh escaped and he swiped a hand through his silver mane. He would be able to control his hunger. The lights went off, darkening the room, and Zero settled into his seat.

The plot of the ballet was quite intricate. It was about Sakura (Umi), the daughter of the general, a girl who fell in love with Koishi (Tristan), a young samurai. The two courted for weeks and would have gotten married and lived happily ever after dying at a ripe old age after having seen their great grandchildren, if Prince Ryoma had not seen her and wanted her for himself. The plot was filled with intrigue and action when a neighboring kingdom declared war upon the country, but in the end it all ended in tragedy after Ryoma had Koishi killed.

A synchronized gasp went through the crowd when Koishi fell to the ground at the prince's hand and the curtains fell. Silence fell upon the entire room everyone holding their breath in anticipation for the next scene. The melodious combination of the koto, the Japanese zither, and shakuhachi resonated through the theatre, forming a sad, haunting tune. The curtains rose, the bright lights dimming to a shadowy white-blue.

Umi was on the stage alone, kneeling in front of the grave of her lover. Her appearance exuded that of untold grief. She wore a black kimono, her hair was loose on one side but was pinned up on the other by a Japanese hair stick, and she carried a paper umbrella in her hand to shield her from the falling 'snow'. The sound of the Japanese flute faded, leaving only the twang of the zither to set the melancholy mood. She rose smoothly to her feet, the long sleeves of her kimono falling past her hands. This was the crust of the ballet, so she channeled the agony that she felt everyday to convey the pain Sakura felt over the loss of her lover. She looked out into the audience and her heart stopped.

There, sitting on the very first row was the silver-haired man with the lavender eyes. He was real, not a recurrent dream the gods sent to torture her for almost four years and he was gorgeous. She didn't know what it was but for some reason, seeing him eased her distressed soul. Then, she remembered her whereabouts. Ohmigod. She looked out into the crowd, regaining her sadness, turned away and began to dance. Gracefully, she moved to the flowing tempo of the music, spinning and twirling fluidly, projecting her character's boundless sorrow through her movements. The tempo sped up as did she, leaping and whirling across the stage moving as if the wind were carrying her upon its meandering current, blowing her hither and thither. Her dancing was in time with the music her motions becoming bigger and more intense building into a magnificent crescendo. She propelled herself into the air, performing a flawless grand jete, and fell to her feet, collapsing onto her knees, bowing with her face to the floor, her hair forming an inky curtain to conceal her face.

The entire audience leapt to their feet, giving thunderous applause to the performance, some people, even men, shed tears.

Zero smiled and walked out of the theatre. He couldn't do it; he couldn't talk to her, because he wouldn't be able to bear her looking at him as if he were some random stranger. There was no way he'd be able to deal with her not staring up at him with unconditional adoration. He caught a coach to the train station, buying a ticket to his city of residence. He boarded the train and sat down in the window seat. She was alive, she might not remember him, but at least she was still living and despite the pain it caused him to know that she had forgotten him, that was all that mattered. But gods did it hurt. He could've dealt with the pain of her just using him as a sex toy, because even though it would hurt, he would've eventually gotten over the betrayal. The fact that she didn't remember him was totally different, because though she had loved him, she had forgotten that love. Knowing that she had forgotten their love, forgotten him, made him feel abandoned, bitter, lost within the storm of adversity.

Zero strode into a late night tavern, ignoring the unsavory looking patrons and going straight for the bar. He sat on the barstool, taking off his suit jacket, and leaned on the counter.

The barkeep, a tall burly man with a thick beard and receding hairline, strode to his newest customer. "What's your poison?" He asked in gruff voice, using the towel in his hand to wipe the counter.

Zero, who was not much of a drinker, clutched his hair. "What's one of your strongest drinks?"

He eyed the young man. "Talisker scotch."

"Bring me a bottle."

The barkeep walked to the other end of the bar and came back with a bottle of Talisker scotch and chilled mug. He sat the mug in front of the depressed young man, popped the top, and poured the liquid into the mug, leaving the bottle there.

Zero looked at the mug, grasped the bottle, and turned it up. The whiskey burned going down. Good. Maybe it would incinerate his heart so he wouldn't be able to feel again. It hurt too badly, he didn't want to feel this pain anymore, he wanted all of it to go away, at least for tonight. So, he continued to drink and drink and drink, finishing off the mug before hitting the bottle once again. Later, a drunken Zero lay his head on the table, gazing at the small amount of whiskey lingering in the glass bottle. He felt like that bottle, almost empty, running solely because of his duties. With a groan, he sat up, moaning when the world spun, and knocked back the last bit of scotch. He finished off five more shots of bourbon. Soon, the agony finally faded, replaced by the alcohol's numbing sting.

"Alright, I'm outta here," he slurred. Clumsily, he fished around in his wallet and threw a few bills on the counter. He stood, staggered from side-to-side before righting himself, and tottered out of the drinking establishment into the cool night air. He wobbled drunkenly down the street, cutting into an alley to find a suitable place to relieve his full bladder.

The Level E lurking within the shadows of the alley watched its prey as he expelled his bodily fluids. It didn't care if its prey was a Level-D; it wanted glorious blood, to feed off its target until he was an empty husk. It scrambled stealthily from shadow to shadow, careful not to alarm him, and leapt into the air claws extended, fangs elongated.

Zero, whose senses were dulled because of his inebriation, didn't sense the Level End until it was too late. His eyes expanded, hand falling away from the buttons of his pants. It was too late. By the time he drew Bloody Rose, it would've already bit a chunk out of him. He took a sluggish step backwards, readying himself for the attack.

There was a single shot and it burst into ashes.

Toga stood in the shadowy alley, smoke rising from the tip of his gun. He let out a growl. "What the hell is wrong with you?" He stalked to his former student. "Why are you pissing in an alley when you know Ends are running around?"

Zero placed a hand on the building's exterior, trying to support himself while his head spun and his eyes saw double. "N-none of your godda—" His stomach lurched and he fell to the pavement vomiting his stomach's contents onto the concrete ground.

Toga scowled as he watched the young man on the ground retch. "You're drunk." He snarled, trying to remember if he ever saw Zero wasted. "Damn if you're going to go and get wasted at least resist the urge to piss in an alley so I won't have to save your ass from getting drained by a Level E."

Zero finished puking and sat on the grimy ground (away from the vomit), panting heavily. What the hell was Toga's problem? It was his life and considering what happened to him tonight, he deserved to get drunk. Besides, he was an exceptionally strong Level D. The End was not a threat. "I didn't ask for your help so just leave me the hell alone," he snarled, slurring his words. He managed to get to his knees but stayed there when his legs refused to go any further.

Toga looked down at his student in shock. Sure he and Zero usually spoke harshly to each other, but that same coarseness in their voices was always tempered with a hint of playfulness. This time, there was no playfulness in his former student's tone only venom. "Look, I know you really loved Umeko…"

He covered his face, still kneeling. "Shut up," he warned. He didn't want to think about her right now, he didn't want to be reminded that she forgot everything about him.

But Toga didn't shut up. "…and I understand that you were devastated when she died and that you're still hurting but…"

"Shut up," he repeated.

"But the answer isn't at the bottom of a bottle! You're gonna have to move on." Before Toga could react Zero had leapt to his feet and grasped his collar, jerking him to him, his handsome face contorted with anger. Would he have to use his gun on the Level D in defense?

"She's not dead!"

Toga's eyes widened. What? "What?"

Zero's features went from livid to hopeless in a second flat. "Umi, she's not dead." He stated holding on his former sensei's collar for support.

"Then why are you at a bar getting wasted?" He queried, relaxing when he saw that whatever mal-intent Zero had brewing within him had vanished.

He sniffed back his tears. "They did something to her memory and she forgot me and all the feelings she had for me." He chortled bitterly, attempting futilely to mask the tremor in his voice. "Like I was some sort of item she failed to write down on her grocery list."

"Zero-kun," he said softly, then paused, unable to come up with the right thing to say.

Zero fell back against the alley wall, downcasting his eyes so his former sensei did not see the tears swimming in his amethyst orbs. "Like…" Tears strangled his voice and he wept, covering his face to conceal the streams flowing down his cheeks.

Toga took in a hard breath. He understood the young man's anguish; he'd lost many loves in his lifetime, one of which still ached at times. He patted the young man's shoulder, consolingly. "Come on let's get you home and clean you up." He strode towards the entrance of the alley trailed by his former pupil.

Aidou stood when Umi stepped out of her hotel room, carrying a large suitcase in her hand. She hadn't said a single word to him for two days. "Umi-chan. I'm sorry." This was a big dose of déjà vu, except this time he might just lose her affection.

She averted her eyes, barely able to believe what he'd done. "I understand that you were under orders of Kaname-sama Aidou-kun," she said emotionlessly. She walked towards the stairs, but Aidou stopped her.

"That's not why I did it!" He refuted. Yes he had did it because he was following his lord's orders, but the real reason he did it was because he wanted to be nearer to her and that maybe just maybe…

She turned to him, her eyes wet. "Then why did you?"

He pulled her into his arms and pressed his mouth to hers, tasting her delicious lips for the first and last time. This was all that he ever wanted, to kiss her, hold her, make love to her, but being with her was forever out of his reach. He broke the kiss, looking deeply into those confused amber pits. "I love you Umi-chan, I always have. That's why I did it... I saw it as an opportunity to keep you in my life in hopes that maybe you would love me too." He carded his fingers through her dark hair and traced the curve of her jaw. "B-but, I understand that the love between us can never be anything more than siblings and I accept that your heart isn't reserved for me."

His sincere words touched her. She should have known that he loved her from the way he clung to her when he stayed away for more than a certain amount of time. "Aidou-kun…"

He released her and took a few steps back, licking his lips. "I know you hate me, but I am sorry for deceiving you."

She smiled softly. "I could never hate you Aidou-kun."

He gave a sigh of relief.

"But it may take me some time to forgive you for this."

His shoulders sank. Well, at least she didn't hate him. "I understand." He restrained the impulse to poke out his bottom lip in a pout. Sighing heavily, he produced the piece of paper with Kiryuu's address on it from his pocket and proffered to her. "Here"

She raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

He wanted to say 'nothing' and rip it to shreds, but enough damage was already done. "The address to his apartment."

She snatched it from his hand and read it, her eyes lighting up happily. She raised her eyes to the small male vampire, smiling sweetly at him, and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you so much Aidou-kun!" Gently she pressed a kiss to his cheek and darted back into her suite before he could respond.

Aidou smiled sadly and let out a sigh. Umi was not going back to Paris with them, hell she'd probably end up in the sack with Kiryuu. He frowned at that thought and walked into his suite, where Hitomi lay sleeping soundly, her golden tresses cascading over the pillows. He would learn to love her the way she deserved. Carefully, he threw back the covers and slid onto the mattress, drawing her close. Umi said it would take time for her to forgive him, but at least she said she would pardon him, that was enough to salve him. He could live with her not loving him romantically, but he doubted he could bear her not being in his life. So, although he didn't like it he would have to learn to tolerate Kiryuu.

The sun sank beneath the horizon, its golden rays disappearing behind the mountains. It was dusk, the witching hour for Level Ends. Dusk was when they awakened and went on the hunt for their victims.

Umi sat on the steps of his apartment building, nervously sliding her hands over the hem of her knee-length jacket. She'd practiced what she wanted to say to him when they met, but none of them seemed right. A shiver ran through her when a crisp wind blew past. What could she say? Well, 'hello' was in order, but after she greeted him what should say next? Her belly flopped and she wet her parched throat, shivering again from the chilly weather.

Zero strolled down the sidewalk, carrying two paper bags of grocery. He mused about what he would cook for dinner, maybe chicken fried noodles or maybe some yakitori with a side of steamed rice. Yeah. That sounded good. His acute nose picked up a familiar scent that instantly awakened his thirst, cherry blossom. Umi was nearby. He continued to walk, stopping dead in his tracks when his apartment building came into sight. There, sitting on the entry steps was the object of his enduring affection.

She stood at the top of the stairs and stared at him, her mind telling her to run to him but her legs remained paralyzed. There he was standing down the sidewalk watching her with those mesmerizing amethyst eyes.

Zero sucked in a deep breath, beating back his hunger, and resumed his walk to his apartment. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs, looking up at the striking beauty above him. He wanted to say something, but his mind was overwhelmed with the range of emotions running rampant through him. Kuran had been right, she did seek him out, but that did not prepare him for the medley of emotions flooding him. So, he just stood there staring up at her stupidly.

She ran her eyes greedily over the striking features of his face, marveling at how beautiful he was, and took in a breath, enjoying the warmth radiating from him. "H-hi."

His eyes fell upon hers, but fell away when he perceived that there was only questioning in those amber depths. Anguish snaked through him, consuming whatever hunger he'd experienced. "Hi," he answered glumly. He stepped up the stairs until he was standing next to her.

"Do you know me?" she asked softly, hoping to the gods that he would answer to her liking.

He sat down one of the grocery bags, turning his back to her so she couldn't see his dispiritedness, and opened the door, propping it open with a foot. "Yes."

She let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding and blinked back tears of happiness. "Then, perhaps you can tell me why, for almost four years, I've been dreaming about you every night? Why I only feel complete when I dream of you and I don't even know your name?"

He smiled softly to himself. It was going to hurt helping her remember him, but it was going to hurt even more that she would not recall her feelings for him. He controlled the sad expression plastering his face and threw a tiny smile over his shoulder. "It's cold out, come in and I'll tell you everything." He smiled when he heard her give an elated sigh.

"What's your name?"

He picked up the bagful of groceries and used his body to hold open the door as she walked past him. Swallowing the pain that speared him when she asked that question, he answered softly, "Zero Kiryuu." They walked silently down the hall and up the flight of stairs to the second floor.

Umi stole a few timid glances at him, imprinting his face in her mind. What was this warmth that emitted from him? Gods she wanted to touch him, just to make sure he was real. But she was afraid if she touched him, he would vanish and she would awaken alone in her bed. She bit her bottom lip. "Kiryuu…isn't that a Hunter's clan?"

He nodded and stopped at his door. He was about to put one of the brown sacks down when she took the liberty of taking it into her own arms. "Thanks." He focused his brain, restraining the urge to reach out and pull out the pins that restricted her luxurious tresses. He produced his key from his pocket and inserted it into the keyhole, turning the knob and opening the door. "It's not much," he said when he entered his sparsely decorated apartment, "But it's home." He jerked his head towards the kitchen, gesturing for her to follow him, and placed the bag on the marble cabinets.

She sat her bag on the counter, blushing when he held out a hand. "Um…"

"Your coat." His eyes swept over her lovely face, falling to those full lips that taunted him mercilessly, and instinctively dropped to her neck that was concealed behind the high collar of her jacket.

"Oh." She blushed and started unbuttoning her jacket, her fingers shaking when she felt his hypnotic eyes following her movements. Why was she so friggin' shaky?

He greedily ran his eyes over her figure when she shed her coat. Damn did that sleeveless lace-hemmed dress she wore cup and caress her soft curves, reminding him exactly why he could never keep his hands off her when they were lovers. Kami, help me. He took the jacket from her hand, glancing his fingers off hers.

A spark ran through her at that simple touch, her body as if for the first time, coming to life. She watched him disappear into the living room and then turned to the refrigerator where a picture of Yuuki lay. "Oh, I met this girl two nights ago." She said loudly, so he could he could hear her. "I think she said her name was Yuuki. Kaname-sama introduced her as his lover."

"Yeah." He walked into the kitchen. "You can make yourself at home."

"Oh." She sat down at the small dining table in the corner, wanting to be near him.

He bent down and opened a cabinet, bringing out a pot. "Would you like some tea?" He filled the pot up with water from the faucet and put it on the stove, turning a temperature dial.

"I would love some. Do you have--?"

"Ginger," he finished her sentence for her.

She blinked in surprise at first, but then smiled girlishly. "Yeah."

"Yeah, I have that." He opened one of the canisters on the countertop and produced a bag of ginger, placing it in the still water. The familiar hunger sank its talons in him, urging him to partake of that which he had been denied for so long. So, he busied himself with putting away his groceries, unable to ignore the amber eyes boring into his back.

Umi watched his every movement, taking in the lean corded muscles in his arms and nice tight butt. Lewd thoughts entered her mind, causing her to blush. She wanted to touch him again, to feel the texture of his skin, to bask in the beautiful glow his aura emitted. "Are you really a vampire like in my dreams?"

He stopped in the process of putting a container of salt in a cabinet. "Level-D." That was another blow, the fact that she didn't remember what he was.

"Oh…I'm a Halfling."

"I know." He resumed his activity, opening the refrigerator to place a bottle of sweet milk and orange juice in it.

"Right." She felt him go cold. Did she do something wrong? "Um…did you give me this necklace?" she asked, fingering the white stone.

He pulled out a carton of eggs and gently placed it in the lower rack of the fridge, leaving out the ingredients for dinner. He turned to her, looking at the necklace a hint of nostalgia accessing him. Against his better judgment, he crossed to her and leaned down, tracing a finger over the shape of the pale pendant. "I won it for you at the Moon Festival." A small reminiscent smile graced his lips. The quickened drum of her heart, rush of blood within her veins, and bewitching scent tantalized him, stirring the vampire that already desired to fulfill its needs. His gaze shifted to her neck, and he imagined himself puncturing that creamy spot and lapping up the warm liquid until he descended into ecstasy.

The hunger stemming from his aura washed over her, its intensity sending a shudder through her. Had he drank her blood before? Or had she drank his? Her questions stopped in mid-run when he touched the soft curvature of her jaw, causing goosebumps to blossom over her skin. She looked into the pink-tinged amethyst orbs that stared back at her, feeling her own hunger start to stir. There they stood drowning in each other's eyes, living a lifetime in that single glance. Then, she screwed up the entrancing moment by speaking, "um…"

As if waking from a trance, he abruptly drew away and straightened, returning to the stove to check the tea. It had yet to boil. Jeez how could he have been so stupid? She didn't know him, there was no way she wanted him like he wanted her. "You danced like an angel in Soleil Hall." He disguised the injury the sting of rejection created within him and retrieved a wok from beneath the cabinet and placed it on an eye, pouring in a bit of sesame oil he fetched from the cabinet to the left of the stove.

She smiled graciously, still reeling from the heat his fingers left on her skin. "Thank you." She fidgeted uneasily silently praying that he would grant her his attentions again. "Did you give me those Stravinsky ballet slippers?"

Before he could turn on the eye he placed the wok on, the tea began to boil. He walked across the smallish kitchen to the cabinet next to the refrigerator and brought out two teacups, both with the blossoms of a sakura tree painted on the sides. He poured the tea into each teacup and walked to the small table, balancing them carefully on their saucers.

She smiled up at him when he positioned her saucer in front of her.

He took his seat across from her, trying to control the urge that sitting so close to her produced in him. "Yeah," he answered her previous question. "I purchased them for you as a gift in Russia. I didn't think you would still have them."

She blew away the steam curling from the beverage and took a small sup, returning it to the saucer when she was finished. "Are you kidding? I love them."

He sipped his tea to keep from frowning sadly. She loved the shoes, but not him.

Perceiving the anguish in his eyes that he was no doubt trying to mask, she shifted uneasily in her cushioned chair. "Were we lovers?"

He looked down into the tea, not wanting her to see the agony in his eyes over that one terrible word at the beginning of that heartbreaking question: were. Past tense. "Yes, in high school," he swallowed when his voice came out hoarse.

"Did I love you?" She asked softly.

"That's what you told me."

She swallowed hard. "Did you love me?"

His aura grew despondent, his eyes shifting downward. "I still do," he admitted quietly, sorrow threatening to break his voice. Timidly he raised his eyes to hers, feeling like he wanted to cry when he didn't see the same depth of feeling reciprocated.

"Oh." She took several more sups from her tea and averted her eyes. He was in love with her, no, he was still in love with her. What should she do? It wasn't like she didn't feel anything for him, hell she'd felt drawn to him like a moth to the flame.

Zero's eyes betrayed him, falling to her bite site, that wonderful spot where her blood flowed fastest. Hunger seized him, constricting his throat, twisting around his chest, and sending knots to his stomach, nearly driving him to insanity. He continued to stare at her imagining his fangs piercing that delectable site and her heavenly blood filtering into his mouth, infusing him with pleasure. The familiar sensation of his fangs elongating went through him, shoving him even closer to the edge. He needed, ached to partake of her essence or else he felt he would wither up and die from thirst. Abruptly, he jumped from his seat. "Excuse me."

He bolted to the bathroom, not bothering to close the door, and frantically searched for his bloodtablets. He opened the medicine cabinet, throwing everything to the floor in his quest, until finally he found them. Unceremoniously, he popped the top and threw his head back to pour them into his mouth, growling when he realized he had only two tablets. It felt like he was in danger of falling to Level E all over again.

"Zero?" She said, peeping into the bathroom. A gasp escaped her when she saw him leaned against the sink, head bent, a hand clutching his chest, body shaking terribly as he slipped into the thrall of hunger.

"Go away," he commanded hoarsely. If she didn't leave now, he was going to attack her.

She watched him briefly, coming to a conclusion. She wasn't sure if she was in love with him, but she knew she only felt complete when near him. And she was not about to sit by and let him suffer, besides, she ached to feel him drinking from her as well. So, taking in her courage, she crossed to him, not exactly knowing what to expect. "Zero."

Her scent overwhelmed his hypersensitive nose, pushing him that much closer to insanity.

"Drink from me."

Those three words shoved him into the abyss. He took her small frame into his embrace and turned her, whatever lucidity he still possessed preventing him from slamming her into the sink. Fervently he nuzzled her neck, drinking in her lovely scent, and slid his tongue over that erogenous site, tasting and tonguing her. A shudder ran through him when he stopped at the chosen spot and, after giving a trembling sigh, pierced her. A rumble stemming from the bottom of his stomach rippled from his throat when her warm blood flooded his waiting mouth.

She flinched, but then relaxed when her vampire body transformed the initial pain into pleasure.

He drank greedily from her, drawing her luscious blood into his mouth in heaving draughts as if her crimson well would dry up if he didn't drink fast enough. Ecstasy launched through him clouding his mind, hazing all thought except the desire to feast upon her and grant his body that which it had for so long craved. The taste of and smell of her blood, the feel of her body shuddering beneath him, and the sound of her moaning stoked the flames of his passion. He needed more. Acting upon that increasing need, he plunged his fangs deeper, desiring more of her crimson essence. His vampire half urged him not to stop, to drink until he was sated.

Umi played her fingers through his silver hair, mewling in pleasure. Craving punctured her, tinting her eyes as the smell of blood permeating the air took its effect. If she bit him, she would form a double bond with him, but she didn't care. She wanted his blood, for what reasons she didn't understand, all she knew was that there was this overpowering desire to taste his lifeblood. And to her, that's all that mattered. "I need…" she managed to say.

He paused momentarily, lifting her slightly, and angled his body, giving her better access to his neck. An instance of fear pricked him when he felt her scrape a fang over his neck, but was quickly drowned out by pleasure when she punctured him.

They both shuddered simultaneously, bliss striking them both with all the intensity of lighting. They stood there for a brief while longer giving and taking, their blood mixing together, linking them in an unbreakable bond. Reluctantly, he dislodged his fangs, devotedly licking the tiny holes until they healed, and drew away, ignoring the blood dribbling from the corners of his mouth to study her.

She smiled fondly at him and leaned forward, licking away her scarlet liquid trickling from the corner of his mouth. She laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes contentedly, feeling for the first time in almost four years complete. "I remember you, some things are still a little fuzzy, but I remember you." She looked up at him, passing her fingers through his silver hair, and allowed herself to drown in those amethyst depths.

Those three words, I remember you, so simple, yet so profound, illuminated his core and melted the hoarfrost that blanketed his heart, rescuing him from the freefall into the abyss. He held her head in his hands, gazing lovingly into those eyes. "I love you."

She smiled affectionately at him. "I love you too."

His heart soared, swelling until it felt as if it might burst with affection. He leaned down and brushed his lips against her cheek just before crushing his mouth to hers. They kissed fervently their tongues playing sensually against each other's fangs, fighting for dominance. Their bond roared, commanding them to seal their newfound relationship, creating within both a lust they had not felt for many years.

She wrapped her legs around his waist when he lifted her managing to say, "Zero the bed," before he took her on the bathroom floor. This needed to be special.

He looked up at her with mild bewilderment. "What?" He had no qualms about taking her here in the bathroom, as long as he got to make love to her.

"The bed."

Obeying his mate, he turned and walked out of the bathroom and to his bedchambers. They undressed each other in a frenzy of movements and tumbled onto the bed a jumble of groping hands and searching lips, seeking to get reacquainted with each other's sweet spots. The couple made love in frenzies at first, their bodies demanding that they quench the flames of passion threatening to consume them, but then slowed to a steady tempo as they both took time to simply take joy in making love to their mate. Finally, after several sweltering unions, they lay beneath the covers, fulfilled.

Zero dropped a tender kiss to his sleeping mate's forehead and squeezed her gently. At last, after years of agony, he was finally happy. The wounds that he'd carried with him had vanished as had the numbness plaguing him. He smiled and yawned, before falling asleep.

Outside of the window sat a large owl, its great yellow eyes glowing eerily in the night. After gaining the information it sought, it turned and took flight into the early night sky. It flew for hours nonstop until it came to an estate off the beaten path. It flew through the large open windows of the estate, changing shape into none other than Takeshi Kitogiri.

"Welcome home Takeshi-kun," Misato purred from her place in front of the roaring fireplace. She was no longer an old woman, but a young lady in her late twenties. Her black hair had lost the gray streaks plaguing it, her skin the wrinkles etchingits texture, and her body evenly proportioned, no longer sagging in places it shouldn't . Rosemary's pure blood had done wonders for her; she would have to remind herself to thank the butler later.

Takeshi strutted to the fireplace, pulled her into his arms, and planted a passionate kiss on her lips. "Indeed," he said with a smile, his eyes roaming over the scant negligee she wore.

"What do you have to report my dear?" She played her hands through his silken hair, enjoying the fact that she was pleasured by her young lover whenever she pleased.

He caressed the shell of her ear. "Umeko is alive. I don't know how, but Kuran managed to hide her from us all these years."

Misato patted his head, walking to their bed. "I know you want her dead, but be patient beloved and focus on the big picture. In the long run, she will die." She crossed her legs, throwing him a sexy smile, and beckoned him with a finger. It had been many days since she had been able to bed him.

He smiled softly and leaned on the fireplace, teasing her. "I know. She and Kiryuu have become one." He closed the large windows to the balcony and pulled off his long coat, throwing it on the wine-colored lounge in the far corner.

Lust rose into her when he shed his shirt, her eyes descending greedily to his leanly muscled belly. She chuckled. "The Hunter, or should I say Protector, and the Halfling together again. It seems that the Prophecy shall be realized after all."

"It seems that way." He stopped a few feet away from the bed, smiling wickedly.

A happy sigh fled her lungs. "Kuran will fall and all of society shall follow, plunging this world into darkness and glorious chaos." She clapped merrily. "Aren't you glad Kuran's little coup against my brothers succeeded as we planned, draga#?"

He smiled and leaned down, kissing her passionately. "Ecstatic." He eased her down to the bed, sliding his hand up her dress. Kuran was a fool if he thought this was over. If anything, everything was about to intensify. He smiled down at Misato, pleased that he already had his deathblow planned when she finished serving her purpose. He could hardly wait to watch that pureblood bastard Kuran fall, and see the despair etched in his minions faces as their king fell. It would be a glorious day that would forever change the tide of history.

Zero awakened alone. A twinge of dread pricked him at the thought that last night had all been a dream, a wicked chimera thrust upon him by the cruel deities that had his name at the top of their shit-list. However, their bond told him different. He sat up, sweeping his eyes over the room, and found Umi standing in the window gazing out at the lightening sky, the signal of dawn's approach. A smile passed over his face at her attire; she was wearing his shirt from last night. He continued to watch her, allowing his eyes to take in her statuesque form. She was still a small fry. He blinked when she turned and regarded him, realizing that he had been caught staring. Not missing a beat he shot her a crooked grin. "Good morning."

She smiled and crossed to him, walking in that balletic strut that he had come to love. "Good morning. Sleep well?"

He nodded and planted a soft kiss to her lips, resting a hand in the strands of her thick hair when they came up for air. "Let's watch the sunrise."

She grinned. "Aw, you're being romantic." She chuckled when he playfully rolled his eyes. Her mouth flew open when he climbed out of bed, baring all his masculinity, and gave a stretch. Ravenously she let her eyes fall over his seemingly flawless form, blushing when she looked up to find him staring at her with a smug expression. She turned her eyes away and got up, quickly crossing to the window. A sigh left her when her eyes fell upon the calm waters of the harbor. "A short time apart so in the future we can walk longer together," she whispered to herself, happy that she was reunited with the person destined to walk beside her all the years of her life. She smiled serenely when two strong arms embraced her, and two lips planted a soft kiss on her cheeks. Finally, she was where she belonged, with the one person in the world that completed her.

He stood with her, watching the sunrise, enjoying not only the literal light shining upon him but the figurative radiance that illuminated from the door Umi had opened within his soul. Lovingly, he bent his head and nuzzled her hair, clutching her close, feeling the bond they shared purr from the intimate act. He thanked the same gods he had cursed for bringing her back into his life, liberating his heart from a truly horrible fate. He hugged her close and lidded his eyes, making a silent vow to spend his days showing her how thankful he was that she was back in his life. An utterly content sigh fled his lungs and he smiled when she answered. He opened his eyes when he felt her turn in his grasp, feeling so happy he could weep when he discerned the unconditional adoration dwelling in those lovely amber pits. Now, that mountain didn't seem so insurmountable. "How about I fix you breakfast?"

She nodded, closing her eyes when he pecked her rosy lips tenderly.

He released her and took her hand in his, leading her out of his room and into the hall. As they walked towards the kitchen, Zero looked back at his bondmate, joyfully overwhelmed with the thought that today was the beginning of their lives together.

Jiendo

A.N.: Well me luvvly jubblies this is the end of this story. Yes I know I left a lot of questions unanswered such as: What happened to Umi's mom? How long is Zero's happiness going to last? And what about the second part of the Prophecy? These questions and more will be answered in my next installment: Crimson Night (I hope that's not the title to someone else's fic). Anyway to anybody that went 'What!' at the end of chappie 14, I told you things would come full circle. Anywhoo, I hope you enjoy this chappie and please don't hesitate to read and review. If you got any ideas about the course you'd like to see the next story take please don't have any qualms about including them in your reviews. Domo Arigatou for all your reviews. * It's good to be home. #my dear in Romanian. TTFN. 8D

Bear hugs & puppy dog kisses!