Author's Notes

I've posted this part here in order to get some information out since I won't be posting long notes in the next chapters. I would advise everyone to read this part first before heading on to the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the vampire knight characters that would be appearing in this story. This story is only done for fun and entertainment.

Title: This story was inspired by the number of shows I watched that featured libraries and such. I've first written the draft back at the university along with some of my classmates who shared some pretty good ideas. Coming up with the title was a bit hard since I didn't know what words to describe what the story contains. Many titles have come up in my mind but I was a bit unsatisfied with those. After a few days, as I've continued writing the first chapter of the story, the word 'final' and 'code' came to my mind. It seemed quite good but it was still missing something and as I've went over the whole plot of the story, I've figured that 'arcana' was a word that seemed to go well with the first two. In the end, the title became 'Final Code: Arcana' and I hope that everyone would see its connection to the story as the chapters go on.

Ratings:This fic is rated T for a while but it would be subjected change to M depending on how the story would go in the later chapters.

Timeline: This is an AU story and will not follow what is happening in the anime and manga. Basically, the premise is set on a different world and one I've spent some time creating and imagining. It took ages to think about that and I hope that I've done well in this part.

Textual/Content Notations: I've decided to use the first name, last name structure since there are several characters here with names from other nationalities. I've retained Japanese suffixes where I feel that they are appropriate. Some Japanese words would be used from time to time like onii-san, onee-san, and so on since it seemed to fit better than their English counterparts.

There are lots of terms here that would be used since magic, grimoires, and so on would be mentioned in the story most of the time. I've taken the liberty to research them one by one as additional information that would be posted at the end of each chapter.

Back Story: At a certain library located in the far ends of the dark woods, some unnatural and mysterious artifacts called grimoires are stored there. Of course, there are special individuals who handle these books called the librarians. Kaname Kuran is the newest member of the library and considered to be a prodigy but has still the need to understand the inner workings of the place. He is introduced to Zero Kiryuu, a mysterious and quiet young man who always wears a scarf around his neck. Despite the latter's cold and silent demeanor, Kaname feels a certain unexplainable attachment to him.

Together with Zero, he goes on missions to retrieve powerful books from different places as well as working in the library itself as a guide to visitors. In time, Kaname learns to love this dangerous and unique job. As he discovers the secrets of the library and the stories found there, he learns that everything is not what it seems. His relationship with Zero progresses steadily and he discovers the latter's painful past that had left Zero to be who was now. They cope with several problems along the way and face an enemy that threatens to destroy the library they work for.

Story Summary: Kaname Kuran never expected to fall in love with Zero Kiryuu. But a relationship with Zero comes with its own dangers. Now that Kaname had found someone worth dying for, would he decide to follow his heart? Or would he deny his one chance at love?

Feedback and Length: This is a long story. Chapter length will vary between 5000-10000 words on average; it will stretch to 20 or so chapters. It will also contain some extra chapters that would detail some events in Kaname and Zero's pasts that would only be vaguely mentioned in the main plot. It would also offer minor clues as to what we could expect in the future chapters.

Feedbacks and comments are always appreciated. It would help in developing this story and possibly inspiring me to continue on with this very first project of mine.

Chapter One – Library and Partner

Kaname Kuran didn't even know what on earth possessed him to think that going to this place was a good idea on his part. He stood in front of the mysterious library at the outskirts of the city, clearly in a debate within himself. He travelled a great distance from his home and left his usual extravagant life just for this moment. After those individuals had started making their own moves, he decided that it was time for him to do so as well. And this was his foremost plan. Though, he could contribute this hasty decision as part of his own desire as well.

Now that he was here, things seemed a little different.

He was a bit hesitant about whether to come through with his plans or not.

For one thing, the library wasn't what he expected at all. This huge and ancient building was definitely something he never imagined a library would look like. This place seemed to come out of the fairy tale books, like castles of old or something along those lines. It made him wonder if people ever come to this place. Or rather, live here for that matter. He remembered that the other libraries he knew didn't look like this. The others appeared to be more normal looking.

But Dark Woods Library was one of the few libraries that housed a number of talented individuals and it was proven by the fact that the head librarian was a man named Kaien Cross. A legendary vampire hunter from many years ago whose name is still spoken with utmost respect and awe.

He sighed deeply as he reread the map in his hand, knowing that he did not make a mistake about the place. The building in front of him was definitely the one he was looking for. There was simply no turning back now. He wanted to come here after all. It was his own decision and he wouldn't back out on it now of all times.

There was a bit of uncertainty in his mind and he couldn't seem to shake off the weird feeling he had. A sort of nagging intuition that wanted him to leave before things gets out of hand.

It was as if something was going to happen that he would not be prepared for.

Years of being acquainted with that odd sense had helped him get out of certain tricky and dangerous situations. For as long as he knew, he had avoided danger because it was needed for him to take up the family name. But not anymore, that time had long come and gone. From this point on, he knew that he didn't want to heed that feeling anymore. He was willing to risk his life for what he was set out to do.

He was already aware of the risks of going through with his plan. It would be filled with danger and his life would be put at risk in some point but he found out that he liked that kind of living. His blood yearned for that sort of experience. He hated his previous life. The one where he attended boring parties, boring meetings, and boring day to day experiences. After going through with that for years, he had learned to hate that monotonous existence.

Back in his old home, he only had a few friends he could put his trust in wholeheartedly, people who would not be swayed by his authority and power. All his life, he needed friends who would accept him as who he is as a person. He had had enough of those lies and dishonest words. Most proclaimed him as a high individual, asked to be his acquaintance, and sometimes groveled at his feet. Yet he wondered how many of those people were sincere.

It was understandable since he was the heir of the Kuran family line and he had a lot of responsibilities and duties despite his young age. He grew up in the world of adults and he behaved according to their customs. He had realized then that he had no one his age to talk to most of the time and sometimes those of his age would speak to him formally that he found in quite annoying.

He knew that he wasn't mistaken in thinking that librarians were talented and powerful enough to be used in his own plans. He watched the news regarding a librarian who went on a mission to retrieve a famous grimoire and he saw that he wasn't mistaken. Those people were fit to become his allies in the battle that would take place sometime in the future.

He was a bit curious about what he would face now since this time he would have a job where he could be free to be someone he wanted to be. That he didn't have to pretend in front of so many people just to please them even if he didn't want to. This time there was no one to control and run his life for him. After everything he went through, it was now the moment where he would do something for his own.

All of it would begin in this place.

Libraries.

They were like labyrinths and safe houses for the most powerful books created in history. Books about magic, about immortality, records of great historical figures, and many others could be found there. Rumors said that certain grimoires that alter the world are hidden deep inside those ordinary buildings. And the librarians were talented individuals with special abilities. They are tasked to protect the secrets of those libraries and retrieve stolen or missing books.

All in all, it was a pretty dangerous job. Yet, Kaname didn't want to go back to his old one.

He would become a librarian. He knew that now.

Kaname knocked on the huge, oak front doors and waited with some apprehension for someone to answer. At first there was nothing, but the doors swung open to reveal a rather grand lobby where there were a few people going about. From the looks of things, those people seemed to be the normal employees of this library and not the ones classified as a full fledged librarian. He stepped inside and wondered what he was supposed to do now since the doors seemed to have opened on their own accord and no one was there to greet him.

"Excuse me, are you Kaname Kuran-san?" a petite young girl with dark gray hair and eyes asked cheerfully as she approached him. She wore a simple black dress adorned with laces on the edges and accented with ribbons. There was something about this person that strike Kaname as odd but he chose to dismiss it for now. Thinking that it didn't matter to him for the moment.

"Yes, I am," Kaname answered automatically in the same calm and composed tone he used on a daily basis. One that his guardian had always taught him to use since he is to become a respected and successful individual. It made him more adult-like and exuded his authority to others despite him being only nineteen in terms of age.

"My name is Maria Kurenai and it is a pleasure to meet you," Maria said in the same cheerful tone as she studied him for a moment. "If you would please follow me, I will take you to the head librarian's office," she added as she motioned for him to follow her past a set of hallways and rooms down towards a lone room at the end of the corridor. "I would warn you though that the head librarian is rather… different than normal but nonetheless he is a great man. First impressions are not always everything as some people might say," she said after a while.

The cryptic words were met with silence.

The walk continued on and Kaname had busied himself by taking in most of the place. He would definitely get lost in this library in the first few days as he noted the different corridors and stairs leading to who knows where. His musings were interrupted when the entrance to the head librarian's office swung open rather forcibly. A young woman with pale blue eyes and long blond hair strode out indignantly, fuming under her breath. She did not notice them as she walked away, the heels of her shoes making noise along the tiles of the silent corridor. She turned around the corner and disappeared from their sight.

Maria sighed heavily as she then called out inside the room and announced that their expected guest had just arrived. A rather cheerful voice answered and Maria ushered Kaname inside. She told him that they'll meet again next time before walking back to the place where they came from.

Kaname entered an elegant study with paneled walls, furnished with books and paintings and antique furniture. Head librarian Cross sat behind an impressive desk, and Kaname sat on an armchair opposite the man. Cross smiled kindly as he examined Kaname before announcing. "I've been waiting for you to arrive, Kaname-kun. We're rather short on employees and you've come at a great time."

Short on employees? Kaname thought suddenly. He wondered what that meant since he remembered that libraries hired a number of people to accommodate the jobs.

I'm Kaien Cross, the head librarian and founder of the Dark Woods Library. By the way, calling me Cross would be fine, everyone in her addresses me that way," the blonde haired man went on as he adjusted the round glasses on his eyes.

"Since you already know my name, I guess introducing myself would be unnecessary," Kaname said politely. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Cross," he said as he shook the man's hand.

"I am well aware that you already have a bit of knowledge about the library and the jobs you would be doing soon, am I correct in saying so?" Cross asked and Kaname nodded his response. "Well, I have nothing more to say so all we have to do no is offer you a tour around the place and some background info as to what you'll do from now on. Let me see, I'll have someone help you with that," he added as he took out a phone and dialed a number. There was a conversation on the other end and Kaname saw Cross frown before begging the person on the other end to come to the office. After a few more words, the head librarian put down the phone with a smile.

"We'll have to wait some time for him to get here," Cross said cheerfully. "By the way, I apologize for the brief episode before you came. It seemed that Sara Shirabuki, the young woman who stormed out of the office, was rather… annoyed by what I said. It seemed that she didn't take too kindly about the decision I made."

"There is no harm done so there is no need to apologize. Though I have to say that annoyed is hardly the right word for what she felt when she walked away."

"I guess that's true. Annoyed would be a pretty mild word. The correct would be pissed off as hell, as Kaito might say in his own words."

"Kaito?"

"He's another active librarian here. I am quite sure that you'll meet him soon enough."

"I see." There seems to be a lot of interesting individuals around this place.

"I hope that Sara won't be taking out her anger on her missions. Goodness knows how much the repair fees would cost for whatever damage will be incurred. Some members of this library do tend to go wild most of the time," Cross said with a sigh as he seemed to reminisce about some of those incidents. "It doesn't help that my own daughter is a part of that," he muttered under his breath.

Kaname heard that and it made him wonder about the kind of people he would be working with soon. They couldn't be worse than Aidou and Kain who seemed to create trouble wherever they went to, he thought ruefully.

Cross then offered him some tea and biscuits as they waited for the person whom Cross called a few minutes ago. They talked about some thing like what Kaname did before he came here, his thought on this place, and many others. Kaname felt at ease with the head librarian's company and he liked that sort of feeling. It was quite unlike anything he ever had back at his old life. People back there treated him with respect but he was sure that most of those people didn't mean that.

In here, it seemed that most would speak to him normally despite knowing who he truly was.

Maybe this time, things would be different, he thought with hope. Knowing that in this place, he could finally start anew. And he would find allies to help him in the confrontation in the near future.

I won't lose to you, Uncle. I won't ever fail again.

-xxXxxXxx-

The morning sky was clear and exceptionally bright; a slight breeze stirred the cool air. A silvery cloud drifted over the horizon, its edges glowing with the ruddy light cast from the sun itself.

Zero Kiryuu lounged under the shade of the oak tree by the gardens and waited for the time to pass by while gazing at the skies. He was currently on a break from some work in the library and he preferred the quiet and peaceful atmosphere in here compared to the common room which would be the exact opposite. Some of his co-workers had just returned and that could mean arguments and unwanted noises would be drifting here and there. And truthfully, he wasn't on the mood for such annoying distractions.

Come to think of it, he was never one to care about trivial things.

He knew quite well that Yuuki would scold him for being anti-social again. Not that he could blame her, given what he usually did. But, he had always believed that he had no need for such bonds. Not when he knew he was –

No. He couldn't tread on that dangerous thought for now.

Despite all the distance he put, he couldn't deny that he somehow cared for them. He might not show that emotion or any for that matter but he was serious in wanting to protect everyone from danger. Even if he never acted like it nor showed it, he truly loved this library. After all, this was the only place he could call his home and the only one he could go back to. Ever since that day, four years ago when he was only fifteen, his life changed drastically and the life he had always known ended in that one instant. He couldn't remember much of the details about that time but the feelings and sensations were all there and it sometimes haunted him in his sleep. Back then, when the nightmares were too much, others especially Yuuki would come and stay with him until he had calmed down enough. After all, most of the nightmares he had were about that day when he lost his family to that woman.

Later on, he began to lock away all of his emotions. He guessed that maybe a part of him died that time.

Kaien Cross took him in as a member of the library upon realizing that he was now an orphan and since then, he had worked and lived here. As time passed by, new members joined them and this place became a bit rowdier than usual. He couldn't deny that he hated the noises and such. The only good thing about that was the workload lessened considerably and he could take vacations like a normal employee. Now that he thought about it, Cross had announced just yesterday that someone new would be joining them today. Zero didn't dwell on that matter for too long since he felt that it didn't concern him that much.

Instead, he began to remember about what she had told him.

'Don't worry, my dear Zero. When the day that the pain becomes too unbearable, I will come for you again. After all, you are destined to join forces with me. And I will make sure that no one would come in our way again.'

That woman said those words to him four years ago and he knew that she was serious about that. He couldn't help but be afraid of that notion, and he decided that maybe dying would be a better alternative than that. He wanted to seek revenge for his parents' death but there was something in him that went against that. Of course, he knew that he needed her in order to ensure his survival. He specifically needed her blood. The one thing that would end this painful curse. His days were being numbered after all and his condition was getting steadily worse. Even his own guardians knew that. Yagari had taken it upon himself to hunt that woman down and retrieve her blood so that Zero wouldn't be put at risk by getting close to her. Still, they had not found any trace of her for years.

The pureblood vampire named Shizuka Hiou was nowhere to be found.

"So this is where you decided to go, Zero?" a voice called out to him, breaking his bitter musings and he sat up to see a petite young woman with short brown hair and chocolate brown eyes, walking towards him. "I've been looking all over the place for you and Kaito mentioned that you might be here when I went to the common room," she added as she stopped in front of him.

Zero sighed inwardly as he stared impassively at her brown eyes. "Is there anything you need me for, Yuuki?" he asked listlessly.

"Nothing really. I was just a bit worried that you're… well…" Yuuki said as she gazed at Zero and found it hard to say what she wanted to now that she was here with him. "Umm… slacking off again," she finished lamely and fought the urge to smack her head on the tree behind them. She wanted to tell Zero that she was worried that something happened to him again but she couldn't figure out why she had a hard time saying it properly. Stupid Yuuki! She mentally shouted to herself as she settled beside him on the grass.

Yuuki looked at Zero softly and wondered what he was usually thinking about in his spare time or any time in general. They had known each other for four years and since then, they had always been together. She spent a lot of time with him and she couldn't remember a day that the young man wasn't there for her. As time passed by, she noticed that other people especially girls her age developed feelings for him. She couldn't blame them since Zero was pretty good-looking. He had silver hair and he was quite tall that Yuuki actually felt so small compared to him. He also had silver cuffs on his ear and despite her protests before; she found that it looked good on him nonetheless. But what she liked most of all were his eyes. His eyes were a shade between amethyst and silver. It always fascinated her since he was the only person she saw who had that eye color. Sometimes she even wondered if she felt something for Zero aside from being a family or like an older brother.

Still, Zero was a private person and she knew little about what he thought or about him at all. He had always kept up that emotionless look that sometimes Yuuki wished she could see through it. To learn about the person who had always helped her. But the truth remained; he would never find happiness as long as that curse hangs above him.

"I wasn't slacking off this time and shouldn't the same be said to you," Zero replied and he watched as Yuuki snapped out of her private musings, her facial expression clearly showing that she was confused as to what he meant. He often wondered why other people were easy to read. Most of the time, a simple gesture was enough for him to know what the other is thinking. "For some reason, I feel sorry for your partner. You're totally useless in missions," he added and despite not showing any emotion, Yuuki saw that there was a bit of amusement lying there in his eyes.

Yuuki always knew that Zero's eyes were one place where she could see his concealed emotions.

She punched him lightly on the shoulder as she realized what he meant. "I am not! Zero, you're being mean again. I know that we've only been doing easy missions unlike you and the others but –"

Zero cut her off. "That's the problem. If it's that easy, why do you keep messing up that badly? I remember Cross apologizing to the owner of the hotel about that hole in the wall. The one you made last mission."

Yuuki's face turned several shades of red from embarrassment. "I-I don't know w-what you're talking about, Zero," she stuttered as she tried to deny that statement. She had enough with the others laughing about that incident for days. How was she supposed to know that the Artemis Rod could break the wall that easily? She certainly didn't expect that to happen. At least, Sayori didn't find it that funny. And her best friend was there to see it close-up. Maybe that's the reason. Sayori didn't have to make up some wild imagination about the incident. She was suddenly brought back to reality by a series of coughing coming from beside her.

"Zero? Zero!" she shouted as alarm spread throughout her body. She rushed closer to her friend as he was bent over; coughing incessantly even though he tried to suppress them. She held onto his shoulders and pulled him closer to herself. She began to notice how his body was seemingly a bit warmer than normal. After a while, it finally subsided.

"I'm fine," Zero lied and he knew that Yuuki didn't believe that statement at all. He tried to straighten up but Yuuki guided him to lie down on the grass, his head pillowed in her lap. He tried to protest though he knew it was useless when Yuuki decided to be stubborn. He complied upon seeing her worried features. Maybe I shouldn't have pushed myself too hard the past few days, he thought as he closed his eyes.

"You should be resting more, you know. Overworking yourself like this isn't right, Zero," Yuuki scolded him in a gentle tone as she tried to keep her tears at bay. It had always been like this and it worried her to no end especially when Zero always went to missions alone.

Who knows what could happen? He might get hurt or worse.

Zero didn't reply back and Yuuki was okay with that. She knew that Zero wasn't really that much of a conversationalist and she was aware that he understood what she meant by those words earlier. He was always good at reading people and understanding things. But still, when it came to the emotion department, he seemed to be having minor problems from time to time.

"I'm here for you, Zero. You've always been there for me. That's why I want to help you as well," Yuuki said gently as she gazed at the silver-haired young man. "Please count on me too," she added as she willed all of her tears away. She had to be strong despite her fear of losing Zero. He was an important part of her family and she knew that she couldn't bear to lose him. It was a normal occurrence to have attacks like that but this year, it came more often than usual. Enough that it hindered Zero's usual work in the library. It frightened her that it had gotten worse.

"I know. You don't need to tell me that," Zero told her as he opened his eyes to stare at her. "You've always been there for me since that day," he added.

"Of course I would. What kind of family am I if I left you alone like that? Besides, even if it may not look like it to others, I always felt that you needed someone back then."

"You never failed being a sister to me, Yuuki."

"Because you're like the older brother I never had, Zero. I don't know what I would do without you guiding me and scolding me when I do so many stupid things. Others might call you an emotionless or cold person but I think that you care about us in some way," Yuuki said as she smiled at him cheerfully. "I wish I could do so much more for you," she added in a wishful tone.

The time passed by in silence as they came to a realization that no more was needed to be said.

Yuuki wondered if Zero ever fell in love before. It was a completely random thought but it did make her a bit curious nonetheless. There were a lot of individuals here that were talented, nice, and good-looking. Well, she had a nagging feeling that Zero never did fall in love with someone. For her it was understandable because of what happened in his past. Without meaning to, she prayed that someday Zero might find someone he would love and who would love him as well. Someone who could bring back the emotions that he lost.

Though she knew that it was next to impossible given Zero's own nature. He had a certain nihilistic view of things most of the time. It made Yuuki think if he even remembered the concept about love and such. He was always so focused on his missions and the logical viewpoint of things. Her father had always warned her that what happened four years ago might have affected Zero deeply so his attitude might be understandable. Aside from that, it was also hard to get past that emotionless exterior. He could also be blunt and straight to the point which tended to garner him some enemies.

Yuuki sighed in defeat. Her matchmaking skills would be useless on him.

A phone rang suddenly and Yuuki watched as Zero sat up to fish his phone out of his jacket. There was a small conversation in there and Zero stood up despite Yuuki's protest to have him rest. He brushed away some dirt from his pants before turning to her. "I'll see you later then, Yuuki. Cross needs me in his office as soon as possible," he said as he walked back inside the building.

"See you at dinner, Zero!" Yuuki shouted back at him as he finally disappeared from sight. She hoped that he would feel a bit better later on. She wondered if she needed to check on him to make sure of that before dinnertime. She was also curious about what her father needed from Zero and she hoped that it wasn't about some mission.

-xxXxxXxx-

There was a soft knock on the door of the head librarian's office and Zero entered the room at a brisk pace. It was quite a long way from the gardens and he was aware that Cross had been waiting for him for some time. Still, he reasoned to himself that it was not his fault since the call came without warning and at a bad time at that. Along the way, he tried to suppress the dizziness and pain he had been feeling. It wouldn't do him some good to show any signs of weakness. He closed the door behind him and walked over to the mahogany desk where Cross was sitting and talking to a young man who Zero realized was someone he never saw in the library before.

Must be the new member, he noted as he gazed at the stranger's profile for a few seconds.

"Is there something you need me for, Head Librarian Cross?" Zero said as he lodged his hands in the pockets of his pants. He contained the irritation threatening to burst from his emotionless façade as he looked down at the calm and overly cheerful figure sitting in front of him. After all those years, Kaien Cross hadn't changed one bit in his opinion. His guardian's childishness still bordered on being weird and absolutely irritating at the same time. He always wondered where the man's pride at being a legendary hunter went to. He couldn't think of any reason as to why Cross had bothered him now of all times and wondered if it was one of this man's so-called brilliant ideas.

The room was silent as Zero waited for Cross to start addressing him.

Meanwhile, Kaname gazed at the young man who entered the room out of the corner of his eyes. That individual had fine, silver hair, and a rather pale complexion. He was almost of the same height as him and his ears were adorned by a number of silver cuffs. Aside from the navy jacket, that young man also had a dark blue muffler on his neck which was a bit weird since it wasn't that cold this time of the year. All in all, that person was very good-looking in his opinion. It wasn't always he sees someone with that kind of coloring. But what fascinated Kaname the most was this person's eyes. It was a unique shade of amethyst with flecks of silver. It was the first time he had ever seen that kind of color in someone else's eyes. He could honestly say that he thought that those eyes were very beautiful and fascinating.

"I'd like you to meet Kaname Kuran," Cross said as he gestured a hand in Kaname's direction. "He will be the newest addition to this library and I was hoping that he would be given a bit of a tour around the place some time. Since you're free on most days anyway, Zero, why don't you lend a hand?" he added in a cheerful tone and awaited the stoic young man's reply.

Cross frowned inwardly as he noticed that Zero looked much paler than usual and there was this tired look in the young man's eyes. Others might not notice it if they didn't look for the barest hint of emotion in Zero. He had heard from Lilianne Meitzen that Zero seemed to be having one of his off days again. It didn't settle him to see one of his precious family members, since he considered all of the librarians working here as family, was suffering and there was nothing much he could do at all.

He really didn't want to call Zero but there was no one else who was up to the job in his opinion and Zero wasn't as disaster prone as the rest of the other members here. At least, the silver haired young man tended to have minimal damages compared to the others. A fact that Cross took joy in since he had to pay for the damages incurred most of the time in the missions that other members had taken.

He had given Zero a vacation of some sorts for a while before all of this. They had a bit of an argument there and luckily, the prodding did some miracles and the stubborn young man accepted, albeit half-heartedly. And it looked like it helped a bit since Zero insisted that he was well enough to be able to take missions again soon. Though, Cross wondered if that was true, seeing as Zero didn't look that okay in his opinion.

Zero inwardly sighed as he gazed at Kaname then back to Cross.

Kaname was transfixed by those eyes and there was just something in that brief gaze that seemed as if the young man managed to glimpse his very soul. It made him feel a bit uneasy but he wasn't the type to show those things to other people. He maintained a neutral feature as the other studied him for those few crucial seconds. He didn't know why it felt that way but the person in front of him had a strange aura. Like it was something not quite human to some extent.

It's like those silver eyes woke up my sleeping heart. If I could describe it? They're something not from this world, he thought deeply. Noting that there was something definitely different about this person named Zero.

"It's not like I have much of a choice in the present matter," Zero said in a bored and impassive tone as he realized that there was no way out of the predicament. He saw Cross beam at his reply and he felt the irritation from earlier come back. It was a good thing for the head librarian that he deemed it absolutely worthless to engage in a fight and that he was in no mood for such things.

"That's good to hear. It would be a great time for you two to get to know each other since you'll be working more in the future," Cross said eagerly as he handed the silver haired young man some papers. He hoped fervently that Zero would not get pissed off with him for his decisions. The young man might be calm and indifferent most of the time but Cross knew that it wouldn't be a good idea to make this person angry. In all actuality, he had to admit that he was a bit afraid of what Zero might do to him.

All in all, he had enough arguments for one day. Lilianne Meitzen then Kaito Takamiya followed by Sara Shirabuki was definitely not something helping his morning into a nice, peaceful one. Getting shouted at by people younger than him was something he didn't want to keep on experiencing.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Didn't I mention it to you last time, Zero?" Cross asked skeptically, wondering if he forgot to mention that tiny, little detail last meeting. "Maybe I forgot seeing as you're not the type to forget details during the meetings," he said hastily as he looked away from Zero's intimidating gaze and tried to think of some way to phrase his decision without inciting anger. Well, it wasn't useful on Sara and the others but it was definitely worth the try. "Kaname is going to be your partner from now on so I would ask you to teach him some of the basics along this place. You two might be sent on the field pretty soon after all," he said in the same cheerful tone as before while inwardly praying that nothing bad would happen. He had learned that Zero didn't hold back when he was angry. It was true that Zero's expression didn't change but his attacks did. Cross have had too many experiences on that account to justify his statement. In addition to that, he could testify about how painful it was.

"You never told me that before. What makes you think that I would accept that proposal?" Zero said in the same blank tone as he continued to gaze at the head librarian.

Kaname watched the man shrink a bit at Zero's gaze and words.

"I know that you're quite capable in doing your job, Zero. But given your… condition right now, I do not think it would be wise to send you on a mission alone," Cross replied firmly and Kaname wondered about the implication of that statement since there a brief flash of hidden emotion in Zero's eyes before he looked away suddenly. There seemed to be something troubling the silver haired young man. "Anyway, Kaname," Cross continued as he turned his attention to the brunette. "This young man here is Zero Kiryuu. He would be your colleague and mission partner in the Dark Woods Library. For the mean time, I trust that Zero would take you to your quarters since I assume that you needed some rest after that long travel."

Everyone stared at each other in silence for a few minutes. Zero sighed inwardly for the second time in the office as he realized that Cross would not take no for an answer this time.

"Very well, Cross. Like I said before, I noticed that I really have no choice in the matter but to comply with your decisions," Zero said afterwards and the head librarian offered him a small smile in return. "I'll make sure that Kaname Kuran gets the basics of being a librarian and take him around the place if there is time," he added to Cross's benefit and with no more to be said, he gestured for Kaname to follow before they closed the door behind them.

Kaname followed Zero out of the office and headed towards a set of doors that led outside the main building. There was a bout of silence as they passed the gardens and he saw just how big this place was. It sort of reminded him of his old home and he felt quite nostalgic about thinking that. There were various scents of flowers in the air and some benches could be seen from all over the place. As they walked on, he saw that they were heading to the east building.

"I'll take you around the library tomorrow if that is okay with you," Zero said while breaking the heavy silence. "You've just gotten here so I'll show you to your permanent room," he added in a bored tone.

"Of course, that would be fine with me," Kaname replied.

Kaname wondered what kind of person Zero Kiryuu was since he had never met anyone quite like that silver-haired young man. When he first entered the room, he had a strong and commanding presence. He bordered on the emotionless side but there were times throughout the conversation with Cross that there was a flicker of emotion on his eyes. Also, when Cross said something about a condition, his vulnerability was seen for a moment. Yet, judging by the head librarian's reactions, Zero wasn't someone to be taken lightly. In Kaname's eyes, Zero was a walking contradiction. It made him curious to know the young man more.

It seems I'm right in thinking that there are a lot of interesting people here, he thought afterwards.

"Before everything else, I need to know how much you know about being a librarian," Zero asked as they entered the east building which acted as the members' dorm room.

"Is this a test of some sort then, Kiryuu-san?"

"Something along those lines," Zero replied in a listless tone. "You don't need to address me formally. I've been calling you by your first name so Zero would be fine with me," he added as he gazed at Kaname for a while, noting that his new partner's garnet eyes brightened a bit.

"If you insist," Kaname said softly. "Zero."

Zero was a bit taken aback at the soft tone in Kaname's tone even though he didn't show it. The moment he saw the brunette, he felt the commanding and powerful aura. Judging from that, Zero had already guessed who Kaname was. As if the name wasn't a dead give away already. He was a bit skeptical about the arrangement even now. Though something was different as he gazed at those garnet colored eyes. He noticed the honesty on those eyes and he knew that Kaname might be a bit different from all of the others he had met so far. Maybe it wouldn't be a mistake to give this person a chance before making assumptions. He didn't want to get along with anyone else given his condition but maybe getting to know this person wouldn't be a problem as long as he knew how to set a distance. Though I wonder if Kaname would still want to be my partner if he knew the truth about me. Zero wondered afterwards.

Kaname couldn't help but feel the familiarity of his partner's name. He felt his heart skip a bit whenever he heard the sound of his own name in his partner's lips and he wondered suddenly why he felt that way. The intense and calculating gaze was also something that set his nerves alight. Zero was distant and serious and also indifferent in his opinion but he felt that he was wrong in those assumptions. He wondered what it would be like if this person showed his emotions openly. Would it be different? Kaname then wondered why he was so curious about someone he recently met.

"First of all, what is a grimoire?" Zero asked as they headed towards a set of stairs, surprisingly the building was empty of its occupants. He guessed that maybe it was time for their shift or they were back in their own rooms.

"It is a textbook of magic. The term is used in a number of different ways, depending on one's stance on magic," Kaname answered as he remembered everything that he studied and learned before coming to this place. "They can be used to create talismans, summon entities, used for dark spells, and so on."

"Knowing that information, it could be said that we house very dangerous artifacts and we'll be facing individuals trying to steal those things from us. It doesn't help that sometimes we do things the other way around."

"We steal from dark organizations?"

"Yes, that is correct. That is why there were very strict regiments for choosing a librarian for this place. We always seemed to run into those people and fighting is the only way to settle things," Zero replied in an indifferent tone. "I would presume that you are pretty strong if you were chosen to work here," he added with a hint of curiosity in those amethyst eyes. "Another thing is that grimoires are dangerous things. With the contrasting common wisdom and the altered laws written in them. It has its own poisons, regardless of good and evil."

"My work is definitely something I should be very serious about," Kaname answered and he wasn't mistaken when he saw amusement flicker in Zero's eyes.

"I don't know about being serious in those things. Most of the members do not even follow that kind of thinking," Zero answered afterwards. "They just tend to do as they please without any regard whatsoever about the others around them," he added later on.

They arrived at the second floor of the building, passed several sets of rooms, and stopped at the end of a hallway. Zero opened the door of the last room and entered, gesturing him to follow. Kaname was amazed at the inside of the room and noticed that his luggage was already there. It was a large room, complete with a private bathroom and a small living room. The furniture in the room was in a shade of dark red and gold. Kaname felt a bit at home despite arriving here a few hours ago.

"This will be your room from now on. If you need anything, my room is two doors down from yours," Zero said as he moved to the open doorway and he suddenly felt his chest tighten considerably.

"I'll keep that in mind," Kaname said as he checked the room and found that he definitely liked it. "Thank you for the help, Zero. I've quite enjoyed –" he said and trailed off as he turned and noticed that Zero was nowhere to be seen. He thought about what happened to his companion and why he disappeared without a word. He didn't even feel nor hear the other leave which was unusual on his part since he was perceptive about that.

Maybe he forgot to do something important, he thought to himself as he closed the door. But he felt that it was something different and he became a bit worried despite not understanding why.

Meanwhile, Zero hurriedly left Kaname's room and headed straight to his own when he felt an oncoming attack. He staggered through his bedroom and went inside the bathroom, coughing along the way. He leaned heavily on the sink as his body felt relatively weak from all that coughing. He had some trouble breathing and it took all of his will power not to pass out on the spot. Some of his blood splattered through the white porcelain but he took no notice of it as he rummaged the cabinet for the bottle of pills.

He found the bottle and popped two white pills on his mouth. He waited for the medicine to take effect.

After a few agonizing moments, he felt his attack subsiding. He panted heavily from the exertion and he gazed at the mirror in front of him. He looked like hell and he knew that if he went to the dining room today, the others were bound to notice what was wrong with him. As he stared more closely, he noticed that behind the amethyst hue of his eyes, there was a hint of crimson. Like the blood he washed away from the sink by turning the taps.

Barely noticeable but still there nonetheless.

He walked out of the bathroom and dropped down on his bed. He didn't even have the energy to get up again. He sighed heavily as he realized the implication of what was happening. It seemed that his time was running out sooner than he expected. He had suppressed his condition for four years and this time he couldn't do the same. He draped an arm across his eyes and he felt tired all of a sudden. He felt sleep coming and he knew it would be a matter of time until unconsciousness claimed him

"I can't die just yet. Not until I have my revenge," he whispered to himself. "I really do have to find her no matter what," he added before he felt something brush in his highly alert senses. There was something wrong just now and he tried to figure out what. A whispering voice, as if someone was there with him, came suddenly. His eyes widened in surprise when he realized that the voice was Shizuka Hiou's.

'Looks like the time has come, Zero. Our fated meeting is coming soon and this time, you will be mine…'