UPDATE (May 19,2016) - STORY UNDER CONSTRUCTION - READ UP TO CHAPTER 15 ONLY.

So I thought of writing a second VK fanfic, and this time, the hunters are going to have all the fun and games! Plus, I needed an excuse to include the new VK character, Kaito, who seemed to catch my interest as soon as he showed his stubborn little head in chapter 53.

This story is in 1st person POV - hopefully I do a swell job with it.

Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Knight.

Chapter 1: The New Terrain

Here I have a lion. A lion amongst his cult, barehanded and already at the verge of hunger. A quizzical lion, impatient, intemperate, and ready to pounce on his female subordinates for slacking off on the job.

Here I have a boy. A six year old child born in the dirt of civilization. Dirty face. Dirty flesh. Yet a smile so pure; teeth so white, it was a contrast between truth and innocent hope.

So I might not have a lion, and I don't have a little boy. What I have are the moments, framed in a resin-coated paper for the world to see.

For the world to see what I see. And perhaps something more.

My name is Jadae, but I prefer being called Joan. No, not Jade, like the stone. It is an endearing nickname, but...oh, here I go again, talking to myself. But I don't seem to mind it...this is something I recite to my psychic space all the time. Kind of like...those narrators in books. Am I a book? I think everyone is. Everyone has their own story to tell, except no one tells it chronologically. The past is like having crushed biscuits in your mouth. What we remember are just pieces and the taste, always out of order, that are contained in our memories. Recollections are different. Anything, like a simple photograph, can tell so much of a time.

Even if such a time can change your life forever.

But I won't go off topic now. Back to my name. Why don't I like being called 'Jade' like I've always been called? I wish it wasn't such a superficial loathing, but I blame it on my father. He decided to engage to a woman of the same name. Go figure. Her name is Jade as well…and yes, Papi, that was not a smart move.

He did something right though. He gave me a camera, when I was about...hm, six or seven? I remember the day when I held it for the first time; the day when my father, who used to be a photo-journalist himself, handed me the one jewel worth more to me than a thousand diamonds. See what I mean about the past and crushed biscuits?

I do remember the feeling...the way I still cherish it to my heart's content. Papi was hoping I would get into a better profession - a more stable one. But I knew I had a purpose. I knew I went around the world with him for a reason. Except...no, I can't think about it now. I don't have to. Not anymore. I just know that things had to change. We had to settle, and with it, my dad had to go and fetch a jewel of his own. A woman. A lover.

What a sly dog he was.

So here we are, settling in a small town in Japan. At least for now. But it's a peculiar place. If I had to describe it, I would say it's a small Victorian town somewhere between mountains and forests. Somewhere North I suppose, completely off-the-path from the bustling cities and native architecture. I don't mind the view of the sunset from my window or the hills in the distance. But I will say this much: for an old town like this, it sure feels mighty grim. Simple and plain and not nearly as interesting as Transylvania. I remember being there once in my lifetime, except there were no vampires. And Romania was one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. But this...I can't describe it.

Anyway, it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter because I don't have a say here. Not when my father supposedly found a job - a better one, as he says, with much better pay. I think it's bullshit. We both know why of all places we had to come here, to this boring bizarre place. Because he had to go fall in love with that woman - that half-Japanese strega with my name - who just happened to be at the same place at the same time in Cameroon for a shoot that brought stars and planets or whatever hell you call them together to make them click. No pun intended. And then what? Oh right...she made him - us - come here. Something about better prospects in the local fashion industry and her budding business.

And so we left Africa, Cameroon, and the wild savannas I grew up with and loved beyond anything.

Still, I can't say if it was also because of what happened there. No... I shouldn't think about that. Not anymore. What happened, happened. This is what it came down to. Here, now. A new life. A new me.I'll do what I can with my work while we still stay here. I'll have my moments. I'll make my moments. And I'll frame them for the world to see. It is what I've been born to do. Joan Armani, a professional photographer in her own right.

And that was that. And here I was - trapped within four corners of a strange but extravagant room. Do I call it "strange" because I haven't been to a real school for so long? Especially a private school? And this room, the office of the so-called headmaster, was huge! So much bigger than the one-floor schoolhouses back in the villages! Naturally, this school was loaded, similar to those posh ones in deserted localities of Europe. And it reeked of aristocracy too.

"Sorry, I can't let you be in the Night Class. Even as a temporary student."

What? His voice broke my thoughts. I looked up at the source of rejection. He stopped going through my papers. I caught that concerned expression in those penetrating eyes behind thin glasses. Why am I describing him at a moment like this? This was not the time. I should be disappointed.

"I'm sorry?" I repeated.

"It's just school policy. We have to require all new students to attend the Day Class."

What now? "I have to work with my father during the day so I can afford an education in this place. And only just for a few classes." I had to state my point again. I frowned. "What's the purpose of having a Night Class when I can't even take night classes?"

"It's not that simple, Jadae-"

"Joan."

"Joan, right. The thing is, the Night Class is restricted to a select group of people; people that you probably won't approve as your companions."

Oh, now he was deciding my companions for me?

"You're not understanding me. I'm not staying in this town long. I just want to take a few classes to transfer with me to a university somewhere else." I had to lean forward, emphasize every bit of Japanese I was taught to explain my cause. "I was told this is the only school in town that offers classes at night, which is the only time I have! Am I wrong or do I need to speak with a higher authority?"

"No, no! You don't have to do that." I saw the flick of fear in his eyes, and knew he was not going to refuse now.

"Listen, eh, Joan, maybe I can make better accommodations for you."

Bingo. That's better.

"Would it be better for you to take supplementary classes in the evening? 3 to 6. Back to back courses, and there will be fewer students to deal with."

Fewer students? "Mm, sounds reasonable." Good. A compromise at least.

"Perfect, then you are our special in-between case! It's a pleasure to have you at Cross Academy!" His eyes lit up instantly. Woah! His grip was firm when he grabbed my hands. Wow...I don't think I ever met anyone as excited as him. And it was nothing what I was expecting! This was a prestigious school - one where rich students from successful families were sure to crowd the halls. I wasn't kidding when I said I had to work to afford just a few classes here.

I felt a pinch of anxiety again. How was I supposed to become like these people? Or blend in? I had spent more than half of my lifetime being in the wild and roaming with the village and city kids. I was home-schooled for a very long time, taught by many of my father's close friends who were teachers. My life was always unpredictable. On the move. I saw things that I don't think any student here would ever face in their lifetime, being sheltered and spoiled and all.

But I was told this was good for me. A normal life, something to put me at ease. I wasn't expecting to blend, surely...I was already not Japanese. My Italian features were super apparent. But maybe a change of pace...of my psyche...maybe schoolwork could take my mind off of the past.

"What do you want me for now, Headmaster?"

I almost yelped. Another voice? My eyes turned just to catch - what's this? Wow... silver hair. That was the first thing I noticed when this boy approached the door. How peculiar. I had never seen such a color like that before. It shimmered under the light like platinum.

"Kiryu-kun!" Agh! I winced. "You are just in time for your prefect duties!" Goodness, the headmaster couldn't be any louder.

"Talking with you doesn't count as prefect duty," the boy spoke. "I'm going to leave now."

"Wait, Zero! You can't walk away from your job!" the headmaster reached out, rather desperately? I had to wonder if he was ever in drama school. "It's essential that as a prefect, you help new students become acquainted with the school and its policies!"

"Isn't that supposed to be your responsibility?" the one called Zero grumbled back. Wow! His bold approach was really starting to amaze me. I couldn't imagine it was ever okay to talk back to a headmaster. And especially at a school as this, I could sense he was going to be nothing like the pompous students I've had in mind. Maybe much worse.

Maybe...yeah...there was something very eerie about him. It was not frightening, but just through his expression, I could sense a very strange persona. Something suppressed. Something bitter? I didn't want to say it out loud, how from years of experience in photography, I could tell when someone tried to show another face. He got me curious, but I had to hold back. I knew what this curiosity has done before.

"Excuse me, I really don't have any trouble finding classes on my own." I had to say something to make them stop arguing. "Seeing that I'll be commuting from the town and back, there's no need to-"

"You don't have to be modest, Joan, he understands my request perfectly well." A pause followed as the headmaster stared at the boy. "He knows better…now that she is not here to take his place anymore."

And just like that, I saw it. It was as if the headmaster's words had pinched his skin forcefully, Zero was cringing his temple harder than anyone I've ever seen. Wait! His eyes became wider, more ravenous. What was happening?

Oh no. Oh no! He was shaking! What should I do?

"Zero..."

The headmaster? His expression went grim. He only needed to say his name.

"Sorry." Suddenly, the boy's deadly expression returned to normal once again. He seem more relaxed now. Thank goodness! But what just happened?

"Get going, Zero!" Huh? The headmaster changed back to his strange perky self again. God, what place did I end up in?

"Come on." The boy grabbed my hand. What a hard grip. But that look awhile ago...I should be concerned by the way he acted, shouldn't I?

It was weird. It was so weird. Already my gut instincts were flaring. The hallway, as I walked, was empty. The only few girls who went about were exchanging keen glances out the window towards the west. This Zero wasn't much of a talker. I preferred silence anyway, except it looked highly awkward. Maybe some casual talk?

"T-that's a really nice view of the sunset from here. Are we going to go see those buildings over there by any chance?"

"We're not on a one-on-one tour, if that's what you're thinking," he replied in a low voice. "Since you're so eager to take a supplementary class, I might as well escort you to one right now."

Escort? When did he even find out I was going to take evening classes?

"Oh, so you think it's fine if I don't have any books with me?" I went for the obvious. "I mean, I didn't expect to start so early, and I don't know if the teacher knows yet that I'm coming so-"

"You don't have to worry about that, there's nothing you need that you won't find in class already," Zero brought me to a large set of doors along another hallway. Looking around, I realized the place was still empty. What's this? No sign of a likely classmate. Plus, there was no indication as to what subject I was about to take. How was I to know what to do? I figured Zero would have the answers, but I was too afraid to ask. Was he expecting me to understand my way from here?

To my relief and surprise, however, he followed me through the doors. Of course, that did not stop me from noticing the even more unexpected display inside.

"Ah, Kiryu, nice of you to join us…finally." Someone spoke from the podium. He was tall, like this Zero, and surprisingly young. Was he a real teacher? Short curly dark hair, light brown eyes, lean stature...it would be unfair to not call him somewhat attractive.

"New student, naïve and lost, you know how it is." Zero pushed me lightly forward, and I watched him drag himself lazily to his seat-the only seat out of 240 others that were empty...except for one a few rows down that was occupied by a girl.

"Ugh, why must you newbies make it so harder for me?"

Great. The teacher was already sighing. And a cocky tone too. But no, I was not going to be affected. Nor was I going to talk back. At the end of the day I knew what I was here for.

"What, the Day Class is not good enough for yah, is it? Making me stay extra hours to teach you children the same thing I already taught four periods ago."

"Takamiya-Sensei, please," the only girl in the class spoke up from her seat. "You know Zero-kun has to be out soon to handle the Day Class girls, and the more time we waste, the less we are going to learn."

The girl had guts, I must admit, and I was thankful that she brought the teacher to his senses. Whatever he had to complain, I let it pass. After all, I was paying for this institution. What right did he have to tell me what I could or could not do?

I avoided his eyes even when I felt them on my back. When I took my seat and found an extra notebook and pen in front of me, he was already starting the material again. Dio mio.

I came to find that he taught several subjects and compressed them into one lecture class for our supplementary course. I guess it was true when the headmaster said I would be learning fast with less students. The lessons themselves were a bit difficult. I could retain as much as I already learned, but it was desperately hard for me to pay attention, and that was a much bigger problem. Sadly, there were things that prevented me to give thought to mundane things anymore. I knew my education was important but I could hardly focus. This was not good.

An hour. God how long? An hour later. He was explaining something in ethics. Third hour. The sun was setting. Darker skies. My pages were full. I was trying to keep up. I was hoping for the end. Almost. Almost...

"We will take a quick break before the last half-hour crunch."

Ugh! I had to let it out inside my mind. A big gasp of air. A quick relief. As if a huge weight was dropped off my shoulder. I couldn't believe how intense that was! And on my first day too? I had to lie back. Dio mio...dio mio... Another half-hour? Do I have to do this every day?

"Did you like that? That's some real pressure, isn't it?"

What? My head leaned forward and I looked at my teacher. That amused face.

"It was okay..." I wanted to die.

"Keep it up. You'll get the hang of it, newbie."

I had to raise a brow to understand his tone. Was that encouragement or was that mockery? And what did he-

I had to stop. Something outside. My eyes turned just to catch something out the window. There was a crowd near the western gates. What was that?

"Right. Time to go." It was Zero. What? I saw him stand up and leave the room without another word. What the?

"Wait, isn't he coming back?" I automatically said aloud. "I thought this was just a break."

"Doesn't seem like it anymore, does it?" The professor shut his books, and I had to lean up again.

"I'm sorry? What does that mean? You're just going to randomly let him sprint out in the middle of Ethics? Is that even allowed?"

"Why not?" he answered. "University kids do it all the time."

"He has an important job to do right now," the girl spoke next. I looked at her and didn't know what to say.

"You might as well get used to it, newbie. That is, if you're going to be taking my class from now on." The teacher swung his books over his shoulder and headed towards the door. I saw that glint of a smirk, and I sensed that childish arrogance right away. "Class dismissed."

What just-? My mouth was open, left hanging if you will. My frown was driving deeper between my nose. What was this? First day, first class, first everything. Was this really happening? Was I really dealing with a teacher like him and a class - no, school - system that made no sense whatsoever?

And there it was again. Something else brewing outside. I heard chit-chat through the windows. Screams of joy? They were getting louder.

"What kind of job does Kiryu-san have anyway?" I asked slowly as I peered out the glass pane. "And why is there a massive crowd over there?"

"It's just the Night Class. The students there are supposed to be elite and very good looking." the girl stood up. "Nevermind that, we better get going."

"Elite and...good looking?" I had to repeat it. Was that what she said? "Are they supposed to be...special, or something? Like special development?"

I heard her laugh. "No! Of course not. But they are a select-"

"- group of people, yah I heard." I finished off for her. This was too ridiculous. Was this the reason the headmaster did not want me to take the Night Class, to save my commoner butt?

"We should go. It's getting late."

I turned to her. "Late for what?"

"The Night Class are going to be using this room, and I don't want to be around when they come."

"Why not?"

"You ask too many questions, new girl."

"Well, you're not giving me many answers." I replied back. I waited for a response, but she took my arm instead and started pulling me out.

"Wait." Her grip was light, but I could tell she wasn't kidding around. "Alright but, isn't there any chance we can go see what's happening?" The commotion was starting to get me curious. Eager.

"I rather not, and I suggest you don't either."

"Is it some kind of protest? Ooh, a rally-"

"Nothing like that. Let's go before the Night Class comes." I followed her out. So much for that. There was more exhilaration as we raced down the stairs and approached the front entrance. Our pace had become faster too. My heart was thumping loudly. What was going on that I was forbidden to see?

"Come this way," she quickly grabbed my sleeve and pulled me towards another exit. Wow, the screams got intensely louder. And just when we stepped out into the grass, I was able to make out few words and sentences altogether.

I couldn't help it. If it was anyone other than me, I wouldn't have cared. Or I would have listened to this new person that I just met in the last few minutes. But my heart was pumping, my brain was thirsting for a peek, to see to understand. To catch an action in its livid moments. This had to be the time. Yes! This is what I did, what I've always done as a photo-journalist.

And just like that, I reached for the camera in my bag, this sleek-black weapon of mine that had served its purpose for as long as I can remember. How close were we to the crowd of girls? And the subject of their fascination...where were they? But something was pulling me; the girl was leading me in the opposite direction. But this one chance!

I pulled away as soon as I noticed her slacken her grip a bit.

"Hey, wait! don't-"

"Just a peek, I promise!"

My curiosity was getting the best of me, just as it had done many times before. I wasn't causing harm though, not this time. Living amongst the wildlife of the African terrain had taught me to be daring, bold, and consequently, prone to injury and danger. I was even taught to be sly, maneuvering through the most risky positions to get what I needed: A record of my achievement.

And that's what I did. A small gap in the enormous pack was there for me to slide through. So many Day Class girls all over the place, young Japanese women pushing and shoving. They didn't notice my potential advancement. But their screams! Ouch, they were horrendous! Like wild monkeys...yeah, like wild monkeys shrieking simultaneously amongst their kind.

My hand...I was still fiddling with the camera inside my bag. Why wasn't it coming out? Their screams surrounded me now, but I could tell I was getting closer. Yes, I saw the end. I was getting there. I was so...

"Hey!"

Hey? A leg got in the way. Ow! I was off balance. I was falling forward.

No!

I couldn't think of anything else as I saw it leave my bag and plummet out into the open. My camera! No, no! Someone was...wait! A foot. Legs. Someone walking forward, about to step on it. NO! He was going to step on it!

"STOP!"

I screamed at the top of my lungs, the desperation in my voice screeching. No! The piercing crunch of my broken camera was already at my ears. I closed my eyes. No, how could I be so stupid? Why here? Why here of all places? This weird town! Why did everything had to fuck up here?

The crack. I was waiting for it. But...I didn't hear anything. The girls had to be screaming...no, they were not screaming now. Suddenly, I heard silence. What just?

I opened my eyes. And the first thing I saw was a beautiful face.

"Is this yours?"

Back in the savannas, the closest I had ever come to the king of the jungle was forty feet. Not one of my riskiest moves, but I had quite a close shot for sharpening my guts when it had just taken its afternoon meal. I remember its texture. It's golden veil. Its mighty wind.

And the wind, he somehow surrounded it now. I was close to his face. That beautiful face. And goodness gracious, such a fluid voice. Was it possible for such beauty to exist? And my camera...he placed it in my hands in one piece. I looked into the stranger's eyes, the mighty lion with its mighty wind, and just vaguely caught a glimpse of his teeth behind a smile.

Sharp teeth, almost like...fangs?

A shrill whistle clouded my thoughts.

And the lion was gone.

Okay, I hope the first chapter sufficed. Starters always annoy me, 'cause I can never understand where to finish. Anywho, hope this fragmented style is working. Tell me what you think!