Blood Lust

by Lady Sakura

Chapter 4 ~Love and Deception~ 
*** 

[A few moments later, a slender figure with ebony black hair that hung down in perfect spiral curls, appeared quietly. A vampire himself, made by the late, great Sugizo, the eldest of the blood drinkers. "You summoned, Sir?" 

"Yes, Mana. The family is faced with a crisis that will require our full attention to the matter at hand, and Kaoru would like for you to stay with Shinya until the situation has been resolved. 
Be a dear would you and keep the boy company?" 

"Of course, Sir." Mana said with a slight nod. 

"And Mana......," a deep voice traveled from across the room. "....I don't have to tell you that your loyalty has been highly spoken of. You have been a trusted and loyal servant to this 'family' for years and I trust you with this......please, keep Shinya safe from harm." the violet haired vampire said with a bit of authority to his tone. 

Mana showed an innocent smile before bowing down with gracious ease. "Yes, Sir." he said and with that, Mana shuffled off, making his way across the large entry room. Upon reaching the massive and decorative staircase, Mana's crystal blue eyes caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure that stood silently in the shadows....Közi, the butler, stepped into view and their eyes met with a silent agreement. As Mana ascended the staircase, a wicked smirk played upon his full painted lips as he began to make his way up to the fourth floor, where Shinya's room resided.] 

~end Chapter 3 

*** 

Back in the study, the tension was still ever present and the imposing threat of Yoshiki's return only brought on a greater determination for Kaoru to overcome the unavoidable odds - and he would be damned to eternal hell before he would allow for that retched blood drinker to befall his - and his 'family's' immortal existence. 

Dusk was just two hours away and he knew that they hadn't much time. 

Klaha made his way over to his two fledglings and he sent out a mental thought, reassuring that all would be well. He then reached up with his gloved hands and caressed both Toshiya and Yu~ki's pale cheeks before coming in closer and giving a soft and gentle kiss to each of their lips. "Fear not, for I will protect you both." Klaha whispered as he stepped back. 

"Come, lovely ones...," Klaha said, motioning for the others to gather closer. "....We find ourselves faced with a dangerous situation and time is of the utmost importance - for our enemy will soon be upon us." 

As the Deity family members gathered in closer, Kyo was growing impatient. It was becoming increasingly more difficult for him to hold his emotions in. "Can someone please tell me WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?!" he fumed out as he stood silently waiting for an answer. 

"My dear, sweet, and inquisitive little devil, " Klaha answered with a smooth, rich tone to his voice. "....if you had given me the time I would have told you." Klaha paused before he continued, "The crisis that we are faced with is the return of Yoshiki." 

"YOSHIKI?!" the blond haired vampire exclaimed with shock. "What the fuck does that blood thirsty demon want from us anyways?! Why the fuck don't we just kill the asshole?!!!" 

Klaha stood with a raised brow as he looked on at the impetuous blond vampire. "Your choice of vocabulary never ceases to amaze me, Kyo." Klaha said with an expressionless face. 

Kaoru sat calmly, trying desperately to hold in a chuckle while the others stood by in mere shock. 

"Would you like to continue on with your colorful words - or may I continue?" Klaha asked as he crossed his arms. 

Feeling a bit ashamed for his outburst, Kyo coughed and nudged his way back until he could feel the comfort of his Sire who in return, whacked him on the head for his behavior. 

"Ow!" Kyo glared up at his Maker. "Damn! You didn't have to hit me so hard!" 

"Then behave yourself!" Die instructed before bringing his arms around the blond vampire and pulling him back to hold him close. 

Eyeing Kyo for a moment longer, Klaha gave a private smirk. 

"Now, as I was saying - the danger that we are faced with is the return of Yoshiki. As to the true intentions of why he has returned - it is unknown - but I fear it has to do with my lovely Kaoru." 

The meeting was brought to a halt once again when a hand raised in motion of being called upon. Seeing the hand raised made Klaha breath out a sigh. "Yes, Kyo?" 

"Um....excuse my interruption but like I said before - why don't we just kill the fu-....," Kyo let out a cough and decided that it would probably be in his best interest if he made use of another word. "....I mean - kill the.....," his brows furrowed as he tried to think of a better word but damned he just couldn't come up with anything that was any better! ".....bitch?" he finally said, wincing slightly as he awaited for another reprimand to come forth from his Lord. 

Die groaned as he brought his hand up to cover his eyes. He shook his head from side to side all the while thinking that his fledgling sure had some fucking balls to voice out as he did, especially at Klaha! Why me? the red headed vampire asked himself. 

Breathing out yet another sigh, Klaha decided that there was just no hope - Kyo was Kyo - the rambunctious, gutter mouthed, impatient, and ever so unpredictable little devil that Klaha so aptly named him. How Die was ever able to manage that fledgling of his was beyond Klaha's mind - but Kyo was part of the 'family' and Klaha wouldn't have it any other way. Besides, who else would there be to cause such mad chaos among the Deity household that could put his fangs on edge? 

Klaha cleared his throat as he decided to just continue on. "That is not as easy as you all may think." Kyo breathed out a quick breath, feeling thankful that he didn't get his ass fried this time for being so abrupt and outspoken. "Killing Yoshiki may prove to be more difficult then we may expect. I sense a strong power within this evil blood drinker. His powers that I sense go far beyond than what a normal vampire would possess." 

"How strong of a power are you referring to, Sire?" Kaoru asked with concern. 

"A power that can only come from a Maker that is high above all. An Ancient." 

"An Ancient? What's an Ancient?" Kyo asked with curiosity. 

"An Ancient is one who is High Supreme of all the vampire clans that are in existence." 

"You mean like a God?" Die asked with wide eyes. 

"Something like that. You see, an Ancient is a vampire just like all of you - with the only exception being is that an Ancient is the eldest of all it's kind - and one who possesses incredible powers and abilities than what a normal vampire would have." 

"Wow....," Kyo said with amazement. He had never heard of any Ancients of the vampire clans before and this was all getting much too exciting for him. "....how many are there?" 

"There are only two - that I am aware of." Klaha said. 

"Two? Who are they?" Kaoru asked. 

Klaha hesitated for a moment and then said softly, "One....was the Great Sugizo." 

Five pairs of eyes blinked with surprise. 

"You mean the one who made Mana and Közi?" Yu~ki finally asked. 

"The very one, my dear Yu~ki." 

"But - he's dead. How can an Ancient be destroyed?" Kyo asked. 

"Even a Supreme Ancient can be destroyed Kyo. They are susceptible to the very same things that can cause your immortal existence to cease - such as the sun and fire." 

"Oh." Kyo paused as thoughts seem to be running through his mind. "Um...what happened to him?" Kyo asked quietly with a hint of sadness to his voice. 

"Vampire Hunters." Klaha said bluntly. " Mortals that were obsessed with ridding the world of our own kind. It is unclear as to the understanding of how his captivity was possible but the sad result is - is that these mortals destroyed him - tying his half beaten body to a self made cross that was nestled among a wood pile.... and they set his flesh to fire." 

The others gasped as the horrid images played out in their minds, picturing one of their own to suffer such a cruel and horrible death of his immortal existence. They blinked with shock for they knew nothing of any mortals living in their present world that were labeled as Vampire Hunters. 

"That was almost a thousand years ago. It wasn't long after that fateful day that I came to acquire Mana and Közi at my home in Rome. I took them in, cared for them as if they were my own fledglings, taught them the ways of our kind - and in return - they gave me their loyalty and devotion. They felt indebted to my kindness and for that, they chose freely to become my servants. When I had grown tired of living in Rome - I went to Paris and I brought Mana and Közi with me." 

"Sire? You said there were two..." Kaoru inquired. "...Who is the second?" 

There was a moment of complete silence as Klaha seemed reluctant in divulging the second name. He gave a sigh and then said: 

"The second.......is myself." 

All looked agape as each 'family' member stared with wide, shocked eyes. 

"You're an Ancient?!??!" Kyo spoke up as his vampire eyes blinked rapidly. "But I thought you said that Ancients were the oldest of our kind?!" 

"And I am - I've lived a long life - over 2 thousand years to be exact." 

"FUCK! You don't even look a decade over a hundred!" Kyo snorted. 

"Hahaha....that my dear, sweet Kyo gives you 20 points in my book for such a kind compliment." Klaha smiled back at the blond vampire with such warmth. 

"Why have you never told me, Sire?" the violet haired vampire asked with a sadness in his voice. 

"Cheri....what is there to tell. The important thing is - when I made you - I gave you the strongest of my powers. When I saw you, I knew that I could make you the strongest of our kind. I made you with love and I wanted you to survive." Klaha said as he reached over with his hand to caress Kaoru's cheek. The violet haired vampire reached up to grasp his Sire's hand and he gave a gentle kiss to the gloved palm. 

"And as for my other two fledglings, Yu~ki and Toshiya - your powers are not as strong as Kaoru's but I gave you enough for your own survival. I hope you know that I made you both with love as well." 

Toshiya and Yu~ki both gave a nod and smiled back at their Sire. 

"Hey! So if Kaoru has the same powers as you then that means that Mana and Közi are just as strong right?" Kyo asked. 

"I'm afraid not Kyo. For a fledgling to acquire the same powers as his High Maker - the Maker must make that choice at the time of the blood exchange while he is bringing his intended victim over. The blood exchange is repeated over and over for however long the Maker sees fit - but if the Maker chooses not to do so, than the blood exchange is only done once." 

"Wait a minute....," Kaoru looked up to his Sire with confused eyes. "....you said that there were only two of you - if that is so then how the -hell- can Yoshiki have such strong powers?" 

Klaha breathed out a heavy sigh. "I'm afraid that whomever Yoshiki's Maker was - he too may have been an Ancient. Remember cheri....I said that I was only aware of two. That doesn't mean that more of us didn't exist." 

The situation was beginning to look hopeless in Kaoru's eyes. If his brother was as strong, if not stronger, than how the hell were they going to win this battle? 

***

The fear was overpowering and the loneliness was the most frightening. Shinya's body shook with uncontrollable fear as his tears came forth non-stop. Knowing that being out on his balcony was not the place to be, he slowly picked himself up and entered his bedroom. Closing the french doors and securely locking it, he then walked over to his bed and collapsed as more tears came. 
It wasn't much longer when the main door to his room slowly opened. Lifting his head, Shinya stared with tear streaked eyes, hoping that it would be Kyo returning with news that all was well but to his surprise, it wasn't his friend. Standing in the doorway was the familiar figure that he had grown so used to seeing in his six years of his confinement. 

With eyes blinking, Shinya asked, "......Is....is everything all right?" 

A slight smirk came to the man's painted lips but yet Mana gave no reply. Closing the door and securing the lock, he then walked over to the other side of the room and placed a large tray down onto the oak vanity. 

Shinya sat up slowly and watched as the maid shuffled through the tray's contents, silently and without so much as a word being spoken. 

This made Shinya angry for all he wanted to know was if everything was all right. But nothing. 
Not even a single word of assurance that all was well. Why the fuck doesn't the damned maid say something? Anything would have sufficed as far as Shinya was concerned. But no - the bitch comes in as she normally would with her daily schedule, places whatever necessary items that was deemed fit for Shinya's need for the day and she doesn't utter a fucking word! God - is she a fucking mute or what? 

"Excuse me?" Shinya spoke with a polite tone. He fought hard to keep himself civil for all he wanted to do right now was to scream at the top of his lungs at the bitch for ignoring him! 
"I'm trying to find out about my friend Kyo. Surely you know him? - he lives here in the Mansion?" Still silence came as Mana continued on with his inspection of the trays contents. "Look.....you come in here every day, you don't say a damn word to me for six years - why is that? Can't you talk?" 

Mana's slender shoulders stiffened for a moment but he continued on with his task in silence - gently placing several containers and some cloths over to the side. He then picked up some towels and a satin robe by which he ran a delicate hand over the soft material as if it were the flesh of carnal sin. His tongue flicked out and he gave a slow lick over his top lip and then grazing the tip of his tongue across the sharp incisions of his fangs. He gave a smile before turning - presenting the towels and robe to Shinya. 

Shinya blinked with confusion as he stared at the maid who held out the intended items for Shinya to take. 

"What are those for?" 

No words came. Mana just stood calmly and silently as he held the items out - watching with careful eyes. 

"Y-you want me to bathe?" 

A hint of a smile crossed Mana's lips. 

"I don't need a bath dammit! I just want to know what the hell-...." 

At that moment, a fierce gaze came across Mana's blue eyes, indicating that he was obviously growing impatient with the auburn haired boy. Shinya breathed out a heavy breath. Why not, he thought. He sure as hell wasn't going to get any answers from her - so he might as well enjoy the luxuries of a warm bath to help soothe his tension. 

"Fine." Shinya scooted himself off of his bed and walked over to pick up his items. Just as Shinya turned to head towards the bathroom, he felt something hard grasp his shoulder. He turned, noticing that Mana's hand quickly moved away and then presented a drinking glass for Shinya to take. "What's that?" Shinya asked. Of course it was no surprise that he wouldn't get a reply. Assuming that the contents in the glass was nothing more than drinking water - he reached over and gently took it in his hand. Shinya looked into Mana's eyes for what seemed like eternity before he brought the glass up to his delicate lips...and he drank. Nothing but simple drinking water it was. How strange that the maid would be so persistent for me to drink it, Shinya thought. Without any further thoughts, Shinya then proceeded toward the bathroom - unaware of the satisfying smile on Mana's lips as he watched the slender beauty disappear behind the door. 

A few moments later, the sound of a lock unbolted and as the door slowly opened - Közi entered. His dark brown eyes adverted over to the closed bathroom door where the subtle sounds of bath water being filled in an antique tub could be heard. He brought his gaze over to Mana and the slender man in return gave an assuring nod that all was going according to plan. Közi gave a slight smile when a mental thought came to both his and Mana's mind - an approval given that their plan was absolutely brilliant! Both Mana and Közi looked pleased as they gave each other a silent praise - for as always - they were able to please....their Master. 

*** 

"Fucking cool! Strong powers - magic - the whole lot....," Kyo burst out with excitement. "....this is all so bitching COOL! Hey! Kaoru....can you summon up spells and stuff?" 

Kaoru sat with a steady gaze as he watched the blond vampire fidget with excitement. 

"Would you like for me to test my powers.......on you, Kyo?" Kaoru asked. "Your behavior is most disappointing I must say." he finally added with a stern voice. 

Kyo blinked with sudden surprise. "Huh....what do you mean?" 

"What I mean is that I am well aware of what went on this morning. Did you think that you could hide such escapades from me?" Kyo's mouth dropped. "You revealed far too much to Shinya than you should have!" 

"Well....yeah, I guess I did but I didn't think it would do any harm....and...." 

"It wasn't enough that you showed yourself to him but you just couldn't keep yourself from mentioning my name and the 'family' now could you?!" 

Kyo was stunned. He didn't think that his actions from this morning would cause such a big stir with Kaoru. Was he really that angry about it? 

"And with all that you have done - you almost lost yourself to the Blood Lust didn't you?!" 

Kyo cast his eyes downward. Hell, he was a vampire! What the fuck was he supposed to do? The blood was so enticing! Yes, he did want to taste it - to lick it - but he didn't did he. 
But still - the fact remained that yes - he came too close to loosing his control for the taste of blood. Kyo suddenly felt ashamed for his weakness. 

"It is amazing to me that you can survive as a vampire with your carefree attitude and rebellious ways, Kyo." Kaoru sat quietly and waited for a response. When none came, Kaoru slammed his fist down onto the desk with anger. "YOU MUST SHOW MORE CONTROL!" 

Kyo did nothing more but cower back and wince at the pain he felt in his chest. He didn't mean to betray his trust with Kaoru but the violet haired vampire was right. What good was he as a vampire if he couldn't control himself? 

Feeling hurt, shamed, and weak - all Kyo wanted to do at that very moment was to run off with thoughts running through his mind of throwing himself out into what was left of the afternoon sun and having his body burn to a cinder for his betrayal. Kaoru didn't need to have someone like him in his 'family', did he? No he didn't. What good was he? He didn't make a good vampire......for anyone! 

Die stood in back as his arms wrapped around his fledgling's small frame, all the while trying desperately to hold his anger for the harsh treatment that Kaoru was giving to his beloved. 

Kaoru watched with careful inspection and then said: 

"Come here, Kyo." 

Kyo brought his eyes up to slowly meet Kaoru's. "I'm sorry - I'm really sorry." Kyo whispered. 

"Keep silent and come here!" Kaoru ordered. 

Toshiya and Yu~ki stood frozen with fear. They had never seen such disapproving anger in Kaoru before and this did nothing more but frighten them. Klaha stood calmly as he too watched on with a hint of anger present on his own statement. 

Kyo removed himself from his Sire's hold and walked with slow, hesitant steps until his knees met with the walnut desk that the Master of Deity Manor sat stiffly behind. 

"You questioned my Powers earlier - If you like - I could summon up the Fire Gift and burn your body to a blackened husk in a matter of seconds! That would certainly bring your death far quicker and less painless than going out into the sun!" Kaoru studied his gaze on Kyo. "Would you like that?" 

The blond vampire bowed his head. Perhaps it would be better he thought. There wouldn't be much pain would there. And the 'family' would be rid of him and Die could find another that was far more worthy than he. 

Kaoru stood with brass diligence and with his vampire speed his hand grasped hold of Kyo's blond hair in a tight fist and Kaoru brought down Kyo's head with such force that it caused the other man to hiss out a breath and his fangs to expose. 

Die stood ridged as his hands flexed with anger and his own fangs barred. Dammit! he cursed to himself. There was no way in hell that he could stop Kaoru or even Klaha! They were far more powerful than he was! Fuck! Die stood with silent apprehension as he watched on - waiting for the inevitable of his fledgling's demise and then having the pain of his heart being wrenched out from the overpowering agony of the loss. 

Kaoru's brown eyes glazed over to a cloudy film and changed to a brilliant, fiery red as he focused his gaze upon Kyo with great intentions. Kaoru then roughly yanked Kyo's head up so that their eyes could meet with one final stare. Kyo let out a throated growl as he awaited for the spell to come forth but much to his surprise - he saw those fiery red irises of Kaoru's eyes fade back to a warm deep bronze and with quick speed, Kaoru smashed his mouth onto Kyo's own and he gave Kyo a deep and intimate kiss. 

Upon releasing his hold, Kaoru fell back onto his chair with a wicked grin. Klaha couldn't help himself as he too gave a smile before laughter came through his own lips and gently echoed throughout the study. 

The overall situation was so overwhelming and the surprising actions that Kaoru gave did nothing more than put Kyo into shock as he collapsed on top of the desk. He coughed and choked as he tried to catch his breath. "WHAT THE FUCK!" he spewed out as he coughed again. 

Toshiya and Yu~ki breathed out a heavy sigh as they realized that it was nothing more than a game for Kaoru. Needless to say, it was a pretty damned convincing one at that. 

Die retracted his fangs and stood with a lost statement. WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED, he thought. 

As Kyo tried diligently to scramble himself up into a standing position and regain his composure, he shot an angry glare toward Kaoru. 

"Forgive me my darling Kyo." Karou said as he felt a pang of guilt and great sympathy for the blond haired vampire - but damned he couldn't help but laugh. "Hahaha....I didn't mean for my little game to go so far - but you had it coming." Kyo wiped his hand across his mouth, drying the remnants of saliva and a small mixture of blood that came from Kaoru's searing kiss. "I just couldn't resist. Please, forgive me?" 

Kyo blinked and gave a heavy sigh. "I guess I had it coming - but you scared the FUCK OUTTA ME!!!" 

"My apologies." The violet haired vampire said in a sympathic tone. "Come - let me make it up to you." he said as he motioned for Kyo to come to his side. 

Kyo walked over to the Master's side and with gentle hands, Kaoru reached up and caressed Kyo's cheeks and as he brought Kyo's face closer to his - Kaoru gave the blond vampire another wet and intimate blood kiss. After a few moments, their kiss parted and Kaoru said: 

"You are an important member of this 'family' Kyo - and I don't EVER want to hear thoughts from you of ending your immortal existence! Is that understood?!" Kyo nodded in return. "Good. Now tell me Kyo?" Kaoru leaned back in his chair with a dignitary posture. "What did you think of my anger? Was it convincing enough?" 

Kyo blinked. Jeezus....Was he kidding?!??! "FUCK YEAH!" Kyo finally spat out his answer. 

"Splendid!" Kaoru remarked with a grin. 

Kyo left Kaoru's side and walked over to Die where his Sire then proceeded to wrap his fledgling into a tight embrace. 

::You are just sooo fucking evil cheri:: Klaha sent his mental thought over to his fledgling. 

::Sire! I am shocked to hear such words coming from such a graceful Lord!:: Kaoru replied as one corner of his lip upturned into a half smile. 

::What can I say...sometimes there is no other words that would suffice:: Klaha crossed his arms over his chest with elegant grace. ::But I warn you cheri - If you ever -dare- tell that blond haired devil of a vampire that I so much as uttered such filth, I will make sure that you are sorry that you were ever made!:: Klaha finished his thought with a wicked smirk. 

::Hahaha....Your threat has me -shaking- in my boots as we mind speak:: Kaoru retorted sarcastically. 

::You -are- an impetuous little snot aren't you?:: 

::Ahahaha:: 

Both vampires - one, Master and High Supreme of all - the other, his fledgling and Master of Deity Manor - both turned as they each gave a look that was filled with nothing more than love and respect for the other. 

*** 

An hour had passed and Shinya entered his room. Once the sash was snugly tied around his slim waist, Shinya began to towel dry his hair taking notice that the maid was no longer present. 

"Thank god." Shinya muttered to himself feeling somewhat relieved that the maid was no longer there. The woman gave him chills for some odd reason. She was pretty, he thought but shit - she was so mysterious and never so much as uttering a word? Shinya couldn't even recall a simple smile ever gracing those full lips of hers whenever she came into his room in the six years of him being there. It was just down right creepy and bizarre as far as Shinya was concerned. 

Walking over towards his bed, a sudden sensation of vertigo hit him and Shinya nearly fell to the floor. He felt weak and he couldn't understand why. Gathering what strength he could Shinya stumbled his way to his bed and collapsed. He rolled himself over onto his back and looked up to the ceiling. Painted angels with white wings flying in the midst of a golden halo of light met his vision as Shinya stared up at the painted mural that graced his ceiling. Such a wondrous beauty they were he thought. 

As Shinya blinked, his vision began to cloud over with a misting opaqueness that all he could see now were the angels coming to life as they flew in graceful flight. As he continued to watch, the beauty that was once tranquil and peaceful soon made Shinya choke and gasp as he watched the angels fly in the midst of a flowing ocean of blood. Heavy droplets of crimson fell from the sky as each drop made contact upon the feathery wings and Shinya watched in horror as each wing turned from the purity of holy white to the blackness of evil. Features changed from brightly solemn cherubs to one of grotesque looking demons - each one swooping with intense quickness and fury as if they were readying themselves for a war of vengeance and corruption. 

Oh god...what is happening to me? 

He tried to pick himself up but with each demanding effort, it only proved to be an impossible task and Shinya would fall back once again. As tears began to spill from the corners of his eyes he heard a muffled sound coming from across the room. With great effort, Shinya turned his head to focus his vision and the only thing that he could make out was the silhouette of a figure standing before him. Closing his eyes, Shinya begged for some help. 

"P-please...hel-help...meee..." Shinya cried out weakly. 

The figure stood calmly and silently as a smile came to the full painted lips. "Your destiny will soon be upon you, dear Shinya." the figured whispered with a deep tone. 

Shinya focused his vision with great effort and the features became more clearer as he looked at the figures face. "Y-you....ohgod....you're n-not a wo-woman?........." Shinya coughed and swallowed as he fought to keep down the bile that threatened to come up from his throat. "...y-you put something in that glass of wa-water......didn't y-you?" Shinya fought with his words as he tried to catch his breath. "....w-w~hyyy?...." 

A deep resounding laughter echoed in the room as Mana leaned down closer to the auburn haired boy. "Why? It was my -Masters- wish!" Mana spat out as he watched Shinya struggle until the last of consciousness diminished and Shinya blacked out. 

The bedroom door opened and Közi entered. Reaching Mana's side, Közi smiled as he looked down at the beautiful and frail boy. 

"Ready?" he asked. 

"Yes." Mana replied. "Take him...we must go NOW." 

Picking up the slim figure from the bed and gathering Shinya into his arms in a tight embrace, both Mana and Közi made their exit through the balcony doors and with their vampire quickness, both vampires jumped over the railing with graceful ease and they fled across the Mansion grounds as dusk fell. 

*** 

Back in the study, Kaoru suddenly flung forward against his desk with great force - the impact causing his breath to momentarily hitch. His features became distorted with a horrified grimace as he tried desperately to keep himself from choking. His heart slammed against his chest so hard that the other 'family' members jumped with startled fright as the deafening and frantic beat of Kaoru's heart seemed to echo off the walls with great resounding noise. 

"WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH HIM?!??!" Kyo shouted with fear as he watched Kaoru double over, grasping his chest fiercely as if the pain were unbearable and than he collapsed to the floor. 

"KAORU! CHERI!....WHAT'S WRONG?!!!" Klaha's own voice came forth in a frantic state as he made every effort to gather his fledgling into his arms. 

"Oh god!" Toshiya cried out as he and Yu~ki rushed over to Kaoru's side. 

Die and Kyo ran over and both fell to the floor as they struggled to keep Kaoru's body from convulsing. A thin stream of blood began to seep from the corner of Kaoru's mouth as his fangs bit down onto the flesh of his bottom lip. Blood tears streaked down his cheeks as a cry of heart wrenching pain and agony came forth. "SHINYYYYAAAAAAA!" 

With the quickness of his vampire speed.....Kaoru flung himself forward in the direction of Shinya's room. Upon reaching it he realized it was than too late. His Shinya was gone. There was nothing left but an empty and silent room - a room filled with nothing more but the lingering scent of his beloved that was once there. 

Kaoru collapsed to the floor as the other 'family' members gathered behind the huddled form. Their own blood tears coming forth over the unexpected situation. Kyo stood with burning fury in his eyes as his own blood tears stained his white cheeks and he too fell to the floor. 

Kaoru lifted himself up and with gut wrenching emotion - his cries traveled through out the entire estate of Deity Manor like a ghostly wail. "SHINYYAAAA!!!!" 

One figure stood calmly and collectively to the side as he stared on at Kaoru. The other 'family' members oblivious to the hint of a smile that appeared on his ever so delecate lips. The figure watched on as the others gathered Kaoru into their arms and each one giving their solemn vow to save their precious Shinya. 

Klaha stood quietly as a satisfying look of a -well thought out plan- was complete and he gave a wicked smile as he watched his violet haired fledgling hopelessly drop to the floor once more and Kaoru's body shook with heartbreaking sobs. 

*** 

TBC 

Author's Comments: Whoa....pretty intense chapter don't you think? I hope I was successful in providing a twist in the plot? Kinda makes you wonder about my beautiful Klaha though. Is he good? bad? or WTF! MWAHAHAHAHAHA 

Special thanks goes out to my best friends, Llaurie & SB for their wonderful words of encouragement with this chapter. Your suggestions, comments, feedback and proof reading was greatly appreciated and much love and hugs to you both! 

~Lady Sakura 

TBC

~Lady Sakura

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