Curse of the Crimson Flower
Prologue
(Directly from Yuuki's point of view)
A red rose can have many meanings….happiness, beauty, desire, love and passion
I am Yuuki Cross, the adopted daughter of Kaien Cross. I turned slightly to look across the courtyard. Thick shoots of bamboo obscured my vision, but I could faintly make out the dark clouds looming over the quiet town; the aftermath of yesterday's blizzard. Hmmm…just like that day 10 years ago.
I don't remember much of my past; my first memory was the one of Kaien rescuing me from a blood thirsty level E ten years ago. I had been abandoned outside in the snow left to die with nothing but a single rose in my hand.
A red rose can have many meanings….happiness, beauty, desire, love and passion
What were you trying to tell me?
Like a daffodil, that day was my beginning; Kaien became the first person to enter my world that day. His gentle amber eyes pierced right through me and melted my frozen heart. Kaien, a complete stranger took hold of my hand that fateful day. He didn't just rescue me from the vampire that day…he rescued me from much more. Before I even realised, my frozen time slowly began to tick once again.
The first few nights were unbearable, every time I closed my eyes I would see his frightening fangs aiming for my neck. Kaien understood without me telling him, he would make up silly excuses how there were monsters under his bed and slip in beside me. I remember his warm, caring hands covering my eyes as if keeping the nightmares away. I will never forget those gentle hands.
The weather is so much like my past; everything is hidden in a thick mist, I pretend I don't notice but I know Kaien is protecting me. All I ever wanted was to be normal, to live like everyone else. I can lie to Kaien, everyone at school…but I don't know how much longer I can lie to myself. I am slowly reaching my limits…just who am I? Is my name even Yuuki Cross? Just what was I doing alone in that storm?
Ahh…not again! The all too familiar painful headaches clawed from inside my head, it felt as if I was breaking from inside. I clenched my head...not again! I only want to know the truth!
Knock! Knock!
"Ahh wait a second!" I call out as I reach in vain for the door…too late. A silver head glides past the door and flings it open wide enough to notice Ichiru patiently waiting to enter.
"I get that girls need their beauty sleep but Yuuki no matter how much you sleep you won't…" Zero was abruptly cut off as my soaring pillow hit him direct on the head. Argh…stupid Zero!
Zero Kiryuu and Ichiru Kiryuu…my true carnations. Four years ago their family was brutally murder after getting caught up in a political conspiracy. It was rumoured that the current Imperial Emperor's fiancé Shizuka Hiou was in love with a lowly Level D vampire; her future husband the Imperial Emperor was outraged by this and gave orders to add him to the Level E extermination list before he had truly fallen.
That solemn night the Kiryuu family, a prestigious family of renowned vampire hunters, were order to finish those on the list including her Imperial Empress's lover. When news of his demise reached her ears, she sought retribution.
That next night was an unforgettable day marked with blood. Everyone regardless of being human or vampire came to call the Imperial Majesty as the 'Madly Blooming Princess' from that day forth. Dressed in a modest kimono compared to her usual regal attire, her long silver hair was drenched with the blood of the Kiryuus matching her blood thirst scarlet eyes. She single handily wiped out Zero and Ichiru's parents with a satisfied smirk on her face. She devoured the Kiryuus mercilessly in front of Ichiru, forcing him to watch helplessly. She left leaving behind a trail of poppies absorbing the cirmson shade of the Kiryuu's blood, evidence of their eternal rest.
Headmaster then brought Zero and Ichiru to live with us. When I first saw Ichiru, he had temporarily lost his voice from the trauma…he was a broken boy. No one should have had to experience what they had been through. To his right was Zero. I felt as if the insides of my stomach were on fire…I felt sick. There was so much blood, his face was covered with blood…there was blood everywhere. His tiny hands remained fixed on his left shoulder covering his neck, even as fresh blood dripped from between his fingers.
He was smothered with his parent's blood and it must have been minutes after the attack, for the blood was still wet. I knew it couldn't have been Zero's blood; no one could survive losing that much blood. Seeing them reminded me all too much of myself and I decided then and there that I would be strong for their sake. Vampires are very scary creatures in deed; you must not fall for their beauty.
Months later the investigation about the Kiryuu assassination proved to be inconclusive and we heard Shizuka finally went insane and disappeared. But that didn't deter the look in Zero's eyes; I could see pure hatred burning with a passion.
We slowly adjusted to being a…I guess you could say family. We had all lost people important to us, so we treasured each other in our own way; Headmaster who loves to dote on us as if we were his own children. Every little thing I do, whether it be the day I learnt to tie my shoes or the times I accidentally forgot my lunch, has a specific photo entailing my life adventures. Zero and Ichiru are much smarter than me; Zero always manages to escape and Ichiru has invented some lie about how his skin is photo sensitive so pictures are bad for his health. Headmaster how can you fall for such a blatant lie and call yourself a father?
Then there was Ichiru who is like the brother I never had. He lends me a place to rest my head and an ear to confide in. I often wondered why he treated me like a prized jewel that belongs to someone. Every time I asked he would speak in riddles about whether I thought he was a good 'in law'…haha whatever that means.
And lastly there's the ever grumpy Zero. Sometimes I wonder if he's even human…is it humanly possible to be such a jerk? Ever since the attack 4 years ago Zero likes to keep to himself, as if he's hiding something. I tried asking Ichiru about it many times, but each time he just gave me a poignant smile and told me not to worry. Due to his reclusive nature, Zero doesn't have many friends even though he could easily be popular with the ladies. I know for a fact Nadashiko Shindo has had a thing for Zero since he saved her from a fall last year. But nooo, he had to become the enemy of all girls by refusing all their attempts at socialising. Zero's grumpy nature also meant people often got the wrong idea about him. But no matter what everyone else thinks, I know Zero is really a kind, gentle person. Not many people know that side of Zero; he only truly relaxes around Lily, his horse.
"Zero don't you think that was mean of you? Cute little Yuuki here is growing up and I am sure she needs her privacy," sensing my approval Ichiru strode over to my side and gently teased the ends of my hair. "My Yuuki, your hair has grown. What does Zero think? Isn't our Yuuki growing up into a fine young woman? Before we know it, she'll make a beautiful young bride."
"Ichi-kun! What are you saying?" I gaped. Now this was going too far, even Ichiru was teasing me.
"Hmph…like I care. I came here to make sure you get ready in time. I figured you probably forgot that today is the start of the new academic year."
"What? No way! Why didn't you wake me up sooner? And where's Headmaster? " That was when I realised both Zero and Ichiru were wearing their new uniforms. The esteem Cross Academy uniform gleamed in the morning light, leaving not even a trace of yesterday's turbulent weather. Zero never being one to follow rules, didn't tuck his shirt in and his knotted tie was scruffy, as if he tied it in his sleep. Ichiru on the other hand embodied the perfect student; his cuffs were neatly folded and buttoned, his tie was a perfect Windsor knot secured precisely under his vest and the shirt was tucked in neatly across the front with every button perfectly slotted in place. Now if only Zero followed suit, he wouldn't be mistaken for a Yankee. It can't be helped that everyone misunderstands him; between his attitude, piercing and that strange tattoo on his neck, we weren't surprised in our freshmen year when strange rumours spread about Zero being linked to the Yakuza.
"Oh yeah you were still sleeping but he said he had urgent business to attend to. Something about that new school division he is setting up. Oh and before I forget he said that he urgently needs to see Zero and you after classes together. He said it was a matter of life and death, I wonder what it could be. He seemed pretty seriously about it but you know Kaien's cryptic words best. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Maybe he just ran out of his face cream and need you two to go out and buy some." Ichiru quickly grabbed Zero so that I could change.
"Okay Cross Academy bring it on. Cross Yuuki cannot be so easily defeated by you. Hahaha!" I was crazily laughing to myself, part of my routine motivation speech, when I heard muffled laughter from the door. Oh no please tell me Zero did not just hear that, I slowly peak at the door to see…
Author's Note:
* Daffodils express regard, rebirth, new beginnings.
* Red Carnations connote admiration, friendship, pride, fascination
* Poppies are assoicated with eternal sleep, oblivion, imagination.
I always wanted to write this story and finally I was inspired by the last panel of Chapter 64 where Kaname leaves a Rose on Yuuki.
I set the story in VK world with a bit of a twist, the pureblood royalty are loosely based on the royal courts of the Imperial Chinese Dynasty since I find this era very beautiful and traditional. This story is inspired by the manga Vampire Knight by Matsuri Hino but I am influenced by the manhwa Bride of the Water Gods by Yun Mi-kyung and the Ouran Host Club by Bisco Hatori in terms of romance and I will be using the anime Code Geass for reference to the monarchy structure and such. So you might notice similarities.
All characters are from Vampire Knight and I have kept to their story line as much as possible but there are a few changes.
- Yuuki and Kaname are not siblings
- Haruka and Rido are brothers but they are not related to Juuri
- Ichiru never betrayed his family and survived along with Zero, he remains a human
If anyone is interested I would greatly appreciate a beta-reader, especially one who knows their ancient Chinese history. :)
Character Cast:
Vampire Kingdom
-Pureblood Royals
-Haruka Kuran as the deceased Imperial Emperor
-Juuri Kuran as the deceased Imperial Empress
-Kaname Kuran as the Crown Prince
-Rido Kuran as the current Emperor until Kaname reaches of age
-Shizuka Hiou as Rido's fiancé and current Empress
-Sara Shirabuki
-Nobles
-Takuma Ichijo
-Hanabusa Aido
-Akatsuki Kain
-Ruka Souen
-Senri Shiki as the illegitimate child of Rido
-Rima Touya
-Seiren as Prince Kaname's personal bodyguard
-Maria Kurenai as distant relatives of Shizuka and her lady-in-waiting
-Vampire Council
-Asato Ichijoas the Head of the Vampire Council, currently acting as Kaname's guardian
Human Society
-Cross Academy Students
-Kaien Cross as the School Headmaster
-Yuuki Cross as the adopted daughter of Kaien
-Sayori Wakaba as Yuuki's best friend
-Nadashiko Shindo as Yuuki's friend
-Hunters Association
-Toga Yagari the Vice President of the Hunters Association
-Zero Kiryuu as Yagari's top apprentice
-Ichiru Kiryuu as Zero's twin brother
-Kaito Takamiya as Yagari's main apprentice
I don't want to give too much away, so more character information will be revealed as the story continues
Also I have drafted out the story line and key events but I have not decided on the final couple. However I guarantee this story will have a lot of Zero+Yuuki and Kaname+Yuuki
And I am thinking of having two endings...one for ZeKi and one for YuMe so all shippers are happy :D
Also please please please review, this is my first fan fiction and I really want to know what you guys think.
