2nd Night: Late Arrival

"Better be late than never…"

"Do you really think this is a good idea?" Toga asked Kaien who was looking dejectedly at the pile of documents on his desk. "Well, I need a reason for them to be close. Plus, another prefect for the academy will make it safer." The eye-patched hunter looked at Kaien with a narrowed eye knowing that the so-called pacifist was more concerned about the night class' pure-bloods. "Stop bothering about the pure-bloods." Toga delivered his statement in a deadpan tone with an edge of annoyance. Kaien glanced at Toga with a determined and serious expression. "You already know my side, Yagari-kun. It won't change." Hearing his words, Toga can't help but feel irritated. He could never understand why Kaien was so adamant about interfering with the destruction of all the pure-bloods. This world will be more safe without those dark creatures. Toga was about to retaliate when a soft knock was heard on the doors.

"Come in." Kaien said directing his attention to the doors. As it opened, Ashia stood there. She was now wearing the Cross Academy's Day Class uniform. As of today, she will be a high school student. "Good morning, President Cross, Mr. Yagari." She greeted the two men as she entered the room. Afterwards, she gave them a bow and a polite smile. The tense atmosphere then disappeared within the office instantly. There was no doubt that Ashia would be popular among the human students maybe even with the night class. Among the female students enrolled, it's safe to say that she is the tallest. There was also her rather exotic beauty which consists of golden eyes, purple curly locks, mocha brown complexion and an hourglass body shape. The black uniform further enhances these features in an alluring way. "Good morning, Ashia-san." Kaien greeted with a smile while Toga gave Ashia a simple nod of acknowledgement. To the top hunter, It was still quite doubtful that Ashia is part of the Guild's infamous Judges. A squadron dedicated to be the executioners of rogue hunters and pure-bloods.

"I hope it's not much of a troubl being a prefect of Cross Academy." Kaien spoke while gazing kindly at Ashia. The girl reminded him of Yuuki when she was still innocently a human. "It's no trouble at all. Please, don't worry." She answered with an assuring smile. "This would be your first time to meet a pure-blood right?" Ashia nodded as an answer to Toga's question. "Don't ever let your guard down with them, got it?" The older man gazed at her sternly but underneath there was hidden concern. "I understand Yagari-san." She gave a very determined nod truly taking in the advice. Kaien had a small smile due to Ashia's eagerness. "Don't let Yagari-kun scare you too much about them Ashia-san. Actually, one of them is…" His statement cut short with another knock came from the doors. "Oh, that must be Kiryuu-kun! Come in!" Kaien spoke in such a cheerful way.

True to Kaien's words, Zero Kiryuu entered the room with a rather indifferent demeanor. "Ashia-san, this is the first time you met Kiryuu-kun, right?" Ashia nodded as she looked at Zero curiously. She had heard and read of him when she was given her mission beforehand. At the same time, Zero would be the next president of the Association. The half of the cursed twins and became a vampire due to an unfortunate incident. Those are the reasons which made him a formidable hunter and it is why she was ordered to keep a close eye on him. "This will be my first time working with a vampire." Suddenly, eerie tension filled the room. Zero looked away avoiding her gaze. Toga closed his eye while Kaien tried his best to remedy the situation. "Ah… Kiryuu-kun is one of our best hunters and more than being partners, he will be your classmate!" Ashia looked at Kaien finally noticing the odd atmosphere her comment created. She doesn't hate vampires. It was just new for her working with one especially someone who will be the future president. She gave an apologetic bow. "I'm sorry if I caused any discomfort because of my words."

Zero was informed that the Guild sent a hunter to assist the Association, but everyone knew that it was to keep them on a short leash. It was true especially when he was told that he will have a new partner in the form of the Guild hunter. This was probably done to observe him. He had expected a rather older man due to the Guild's reputation. This girl didn't fit any of his expectations. At first, Zero thought Ashia was a pure-blood. But sensing her aura, she is human and has not even a smudge of evil presence or aura of death about her. But then again, Yuuki was like that before, a hidden pure-blood. Is this girl really a hunter? The question hanged in Zero's mind as he replied to her apology. "It's true anyway." Zero said in a distant and dismissive way. Ashia noticed that he seemed to be a difficult person to deal with. "Well, it's nice to meet you Kiryuu-san. I'm Ashia Nightless. I'll be in your care then." She said with a gentle tone and a polite smile on her face. The tension completely disappeared. Zero simply nodded at this then glanced at Kaien and Toga with a meaningful look as his eyes narrowed.

Toga knew what Zero meant by that look. Zero was probably thinking that this was a plot of theirs especially with his disposition about Kuran Kaname. Toga closed his eye while Kaien gave out a nervous laughter as a response. There was no doubt that behind those lavender eyes was an irritated Zero. "Ashia-san is new to the country so, Kiryuu-kun, take good care of her. The cover for both of you are reunited childhood friends so act like one okay! Now, off to classes you two! We can't afford for Ashia-san to be late on her first day!" After saying that, Ashia and Zero were pushed out of the room with the doors closing behind them instantly. There was an awkward moment of silence before one of them made a move and that person was Zero who decided to leave. He had classes to attend. Ashia looked at him walking away and quickly matched his pace while taking her position beside him. "Kiryuu-san?" She asked him with caution.

"We're not real childhood friends." Zero said with a dismissive and cold attitude. Ashia raised an eyebrow at this. She knew very well that their relationship was all for show. There is no way she was going to pester him about it. So, he didn't have to put it that way. "I'm not stupid." She said with a calm yet with a tinge of annoyance as she gazed ahead of her. "I won't ask anything intimate We are strangers to begin with." Zero miscalculated her for a moment there. Ashia was not the meddling type. She glanced at him meeting his eyes. "What I wanted to ask is, if I have some scary fan club members to run away from." Zero looked at her oddly and could not understand what she meant by that. "Huh?" Ashia tilted her head slightly before explaining. "You're handsome and have this bad boy vibe. So, you must be popular with the girls." After saying that, she placed her hands behind her back. "After all, we're going to be together due to our work and having my cover as your childhood friend. I just want to be sure I don't have jealous girls that would want my head or something."

Ashia said all of that without even the slightest hint of embarrassment. Zero wondered if all foreigners were like her, bold in saying such compliments with a straight face. Actually, he was the one getting self-conscious now. Hiding it effectively behind his indifferent mask, Zero directed his eyes forward. "There's no such thing." In her case, he couldn't say the same thing. There was no doubt in his mind that the day class students would clamor about her. They all did in the past with the night class. It's certain they would do the same with her. He would be a fool not to admit that Ashia is an extremely beautiful girl. "I'm more worried about myself." At that statement, Ashia looked at him with question. "Hmm? Why is that?" Her question never answered as they walked in silence.

Soon enough, they had arrived to their classes and Ashia was now standing in front of the class for the routine introduction. "Good morning everyone, I'm Ashia Nightless. It's a pleasure to meet you." From now on, she was a student at Cross Academy. Honestly, Ashia was happy about being a student. She liked being in school. It was a nice getaway from the life of being a hunter. This was a slice of a normal lifestyle. It also helped that she is interested about this academy which caters to both humans and vampires. This place was peaceful in her opinion. But, Ashia knew better. Back at the Guild, she had been briefed that it was a very chaotic time here now. A lot of vampires were causing trouble in many ways due to the sudden disappearance and misdeeds of the Vampire Society's Head. As a result, the remaining pure-bloods seemed to be plotting as well. In any case, she should worry about that later and focus about the stares that she was receiving from everyone including the teacher.

"Uhm…" Ashia looked at everyone oddly. "Did I say something weird? Do I look that weird?" Zero knew that this would happen. "Sensei, it's time to start." His voice was enough to knock everyone out of their trance. The home room teacher finally noticed his behavior and coughed to regain some of his dignity. It was not good to be taken in by a student. "Class President, please take care of Nightless-san until she gets accustomed to the school." Ashia looked and smiled politely at the said student who gave an enthusiastic nod. This caused Kaseumi Kageyama to blush and be envied by the boys of the class. "Nightless-san, take the empty seat beside Kiryuu-kun." Ashia nodded and was thankful that was over. She felt like a criminal being interrogated earlier. Taking her seat, Ashia gave Zero a grateful smile. "Thank you." Zero simply directed his attention to the teacher not even saying anything. If he opened his mouth, something stupid might slip out. At the same time, he had a feeling that something idiotic was on his face in which he had a faint blush that he hid with covering half of his face with his hand.

Somewhere across the seas, a certain silver-haired boy was pacing around the room. He couldn't believe that the Guild-master sent Ashia to the Association alone. "Stop pacing around, you're making me dizzy Claude." This was said with slight annoyance by a black-haired girl who has her eyes completely covered by her bangs. She sat casually on one of the chairs at the break room of the Guild headquarters. "I can't help it Philly! Everyone knows how dangerous that place is!" Claude exclaimed with worry filling those blue eyes. "I can't bear to think if something terrible happens to her!" This earned him a rather strong smack on the head from Philly. "Stop your meaningless yapping. Ashia is capable of taking care of herself." Claude rubbed the lump that formed at the back of his head. Philly was stronger than she looked. "I know but still…" Philly sighed. She understood why he was so concern. "It can't be helped. Others had their individual missions at the moment just like us."

Standing from her chair, Philly looked at Claude. "Adding to that, we're not that plenty to begin with and with the increase of vampire activities. It's been hectic in our jurisdictions." Claude knew what Philly was trying to say. Everyone knew that something big was about to happen and the focal point was at the Association. "I understand Philly, but I'm still worried…" Philly gazed at the ceiling fan. "Same here. But, Ashia is perfect for the job especially with all the issues popping at the Association. She's a tough cookie." Claude released a sigh. "I know how strong she is but still…" He wasn't able to continue his sentence for Philly completed it for him. "She's too kind." Claude gave a small smile and nodded. "Yeah…" Philly scratched her head and shrugged. "Well, we should finished things here more quickly and follow her." Claude smiled in agreement. "You took the words right out of my mouth!"

"The cosine is here and here is…" Ashia lightly tapped the pen she held to her lips while thinking. "Tangent." Zero said while gazing at her notes. Ashia was greatly engrossed in solving the equation and smiled brightly. "You're right, thanks!" She looked at him happily like a child who got to eat cookie before dinner. It was then Ashia took noticed of the looks from their classmates. Some avoided her gaze by reading their books or looking at the teacher. Others pretended that they were not looking at all. "Kiryuu-san, it seems you have a lot of fans even among the boys. I thought you said you had none." Zero shook his head and released a sigh. "It's not me they're looking at." He then pointed at her which Ashia mirrored the gesture. "Me?" Zero nodded and then looked at the front ending the conversation. She looked at her notes and pondered about it for a while. "I guess it's normal. I am a new student." Ashia softly mumbled to herself. Zero glanced at her from the corner of his eyes. She was truly oblivious to her own beauty.

The bell rang signaling the end of the morning session for the day class. It was now lunch break. Ashia closed her notes and looked at Zero who seemed to be in deep thought looking at a distance. "Kiryuu-san?" Her voice took him out from his trance and glanced at her. "What?" Picking up her books, Ashia wondered what Zero was thinking. "Shall we go to the cafeteria then?" Finally regaining his composure, Zero stood from his chair. "No, have the Class President show you to the cafeteria. I'm leaving." Ashia sighed at his anti-social attitude. Well, as long as it doesn't get in the way of their work. She looked around for the class president. The classroom was already empty and the said student was nowhere in sight. "It's just us here now. They did seem scared to approach me." Ashia stood from her seat and looked at Zero curiously. "Could it be because of you?"

Zero looked away with closed eyes. He could not deny her assuming question. After all, he has a scary reputation to everyone. So, it is true that it was his fault that no one dared come near her. However, he would not openly admit this to her. "It is you. It's probably because of that scary look on your face all the time." Ashia said with a playful smile while she held her books closed to her chest. "I guess it will be your duty to show me the cafeteria then." Zero looked at her with a rather impassive demeanor and released a defeated sigh. "...Fine." He muttered under his breath in annoyance. "Let's go." Zero led the way in an unhappy manner while Ashia followed behind him with a triumphant smile.

Ashia looked around them with interest as they walked along the hallways. Everyone had these looks as if they are seeing something unreal. They were all directed at the two of them. "Just ignore them." Zero said without looking at Ashia. She glanced at him and nodded following his advice. "Kiryuu-san, you would join me for lunch, right?" Zero closed his eyes and answered without hesitation. "No." Ashia looked at him with concern than an obvious annoyance which he predicted. "But, it's not healthy to skip meals. You look so pale too." Zero continued to ignore her silently. She pouted noticing his intentional action. They were supposed to be childhood friends in front of everyone. So if she pestered him about this, it would not be odd at all.

"Ignoring me won't work. Have some vegetable soup or something." Zero stopped from his tracks and then looked at her instantly. "What did you just said?" Ashia had a confused expression as she also stopped immediately almost bumping into him. "Something?" His eyes narrowed at her. Vegetable soup? It's good and healthy." He regained his composure and looked away. "Why?" Zero asked since Ashia seemed oblivious about the dish significance to him. "It's my favorite especially when it's tomato." Ashia answered with cheer. Zero looked at her from the corner of his eyes so, she won't notice. There was nothing fake about her words. She wasn't doing this to get close to him purposely. "Why? You don't eat vegetables?" Those golden eyes looked at him curiously. "They don't serve that here." Zero looked in front of him after answering then continued walking. "I'll eat with you." Somehow, he had a softer expression on his face unknown to her. Ashia was slightly surprised by the change of heart but smiled at it. "Okay."