DISCLAIMER: I don't not own Vampire Knight

Hello, i'm back. I'm actually pretty amazed i did this so quickly. i was expecting a week of torture...oh well...

I've began to notice that i've neglected to update my Blue Exorcist story, and for that i apologize...I've had this story idea for awhile now and was worried (paranoid) that it would be taken, then I'd be blamed for stealing...yeah...

the honorific -chan is used with a girls name or when acting childish. Fits Akemi to a T, ne?

Whatever, your just here to read...

CHAPTER 2: Deliciously Cruel Innocence

Akemi hasn't left me for a moment. When we first met, I thought we'd be awkward friends, but I was sadly mistaken. Once the first few days of introductions and getting to know each other was over with, we became inseparable. I barely noticed it at first but whenever I left my, now our, room she was closely following like a protective older sister.

It became quite apparent that that was what she was aiming for. Maybe I was a little slow at realizing this, but I was a clutz. Only when Akemi pointed it out after I had nearly tripped and fell down the stairs leading to the bottom level of the mansion that it had dawned on me.

No wonder dancing was such a problem for me.

Mother and father were almost always away now; probably more assured that I wouldn't be alone. It felt strange to know that they cared so deeply, though they never said it, it was easy to tell by their actions and facial expressions. Akemi even got some caring too, even though I was sure it was a thousand times more awkward.

"I never thought you guys were the type to drink this…" Akemi shook her class cup, sloshing around the red liquid in it. We were sitting next to eat other in front of my window, canvas's set up for our daily painting race. Yes, Akemi was shockingly good at art as well…though her drawings were a bit…less subtle.

My eyes drifted from the cup over to the small black packet in my hand. Blood tablets were so efficient, they worked wonders. When mother had first given me the packet, I was startled someone like her drank this and not normal human blood. Then again, we are laying low so deaths and level E's sprouting up would cause suspicion. It was also one of the reasons my parents were out so much…

"We aren't all human eaters…" I spoke softly, dropping a white tablet into the clear class drink, watching it dissolve. Akemi watched too before sighing and sipping the drink, "It's been a month hasn't it?" She mused, watching as I took careful sips. A month since she came? Yes…and I've learned a lot about my new best friend.

Her favorite color is yellow, her favorite animal is a horse, and her likes are the sun, doodling, sweets, and talking. Mostly talking. It had surprised me she was such a bright person, even smiling so genuine after running away. I had asked her where she came from, but she just tapped my nose and winked saying 'all in good time'. It became her hobby to tease me often, maybe because it was so easy.

My shy attitude that I had discovered irritated me slightly. Akemi thought it was adorable the way I'd stutter or hide behind something when uncomfortable. Then she'd point and laugh at my flustered face. Yeah…defiantly an older sister…

"How long are we going to be stuck in here? Not that our art-a-thon isn't fun and all, but it's snowing outside! We should just be in the front yard making snowmen and angels, having snowball fights and drinking hot chocolate!" Akemi complained, pointing her finger at the closed window. Snow was lazily falling down; the ground was now probably about a foot deep with it.

I didn't mind being in the house, it felt safe and boredom was always satisfied doing little things. Akemi…not so much. She had a big appetite for fun, always jabbering away and trying to get me to play outrageous games. It had slipped unknowingly from her mouth that she used to play these games with her older brother, but that was all she said. Plus, she probably would have poked my nose again if I pressed for details.

She groaned quietly when she received no answer, turning too watch as I slowly sketched a tree. "A sakura blossom tree? You've been drawing those a lot…" I blinked and looked around at my, now our, drawings. Yes, it did seem I had quite a few drawings of the tree…maybe it had to do with what mother had taught me earlier in the week.

She had come to me when I awoke in the middle of the night, Akemi was still sleeping. It was for typically a class of water, soon to be blood. I was a bit surprised to see mother just sitting on the couch of the living room, watching the dimly lit fireplace. Usually when children get up at night and see a parent already awake, they scurry back to bed. It was different with us, for whenever I encountered a parent it meant that I could have a conversation with them before they go out again.

Being subtle yet already knowing that she knew of my presence, I sat next to her on the couch, watching the fireplace as she did. It was a comfortable silence, one that was common among our family. She broke it by gently placing a hand on my head, "You're growing up." I had looked up at her, watching as a fond smile spread on her face. "Perhaps it's time you learn about the Hio and they're powers, hm?" It seemed like she was half trying to convince herself, but I nodded anyways.

I remember a bit of what Shizuka could do during the anime, she had some sort of strange powers over plants, which also led to Zero gaining plant like powers over the bloody rose once he had drank Ichiru's blood. What I didn't understand was how Shizuka used her obi to deflect Zero's bullets when he attacked her. How could plants relate to that?

Mother had stood and walked away, me following curiously as she led me outside into the cold snowy night. She stopped just as the clearing of the mansion ended and the dark forest started. She didn't even turn to me as her hand flicked forward, making a tree in front of us…change. It was amazing to watch as a dull and boring pine tree morphed and creaked into a beautiful and glowing blossom tree.

Mother just casually sat down on one of its lower branches, her pink eyes now settling on me, "The Hio clan has had a long history of controlling plants and trees, and you too shall learn this in time." A branch cracked out of the hull of the tree, growing out to where Shizuka sat, and stopping. The ends off the branch started to bloom green buds before those bloomed into beautiful flowers.

An amused smile spread on mother's face, making me realize my jaw had gone slack. After straightening myself up and inwardly cursing myself for acting like a complete moron, I asked the question everyone would want to know, "How…? What does it take…?" The questions trailed off, because honestly I didn't know what to ask. It looked easy, just flicking your hand and beckoning the plants to your command. Oh, how I was wrong.

"Vampires, specifically purebloods and noble bloods, have what's commonly referred to as natural energy. We have these reserves in us to use our powers; we can command this energy to will our powers to work. However, using our powers also consumes the energy we have, and when we run out…we die." It made sense actually, when Rido attacked the academy and all the night class were repelling his minions, there was the slight hint of exhaustion while using their powers. It was also the case when Takuma battled his grandfather, even though it wasn't shown, it could be that he passed out from exhaustion and was saved by Sara. How? I'm not sure…

"Energy exhaustion." She practically read my mind, making me jolt. "It rarely happens to us because we develop such large reserves, but used unwisely…hm, moving on…there are two types of natural energy, positive and negative. Positive energy is the energy used to control our clan powers, however negative energy helps with other powers…" the way she worded that sent a shiver down my spine. It made complete sense.

Positive energy is used to create clan powers, like Hanabusa Aido and his ice powers. However, negative energy is powers that do not belong to you. Especially when Kaname absorbed the power of Shizuka, his wind powers increased but he gained a new power as well. I'm not quite sure if you gain the powers of the victim you bit or create a new power entirely, but it could have something to do when he attacked the senate he made the vampires there disappear altogether. Like he just made then poof into matter…

But to go with that, he's an ancestor. Those might be old powers that he's hidden so as to not spark suspicion. He might have not even used Shizuka's powers at all...which only made me fear him even more. He was practically god walking.

Aside from Kaname's creepy powers and habits, negative energy… "Is dangerous." Once again it felt like mother had read my mind, her eyes narrowing a bit as I jolted again. "Negative energy may seem appealing, but it is one of the two ways to make you lose your sanity." Here I raised an eyebrow. She merely softened her gaze and descended from the tree to stand in front of me.

"Using too much negative energy is hazardous to the user's health, and could possibly drive them insane. The other way to lose your sanity is using your own clan powers. When first learning to grasp your skills, you must be firm and controlling over your element. Wavering will reverse your rolls, and the powers will control you." I saw something flash in her eyes, but it was too quick to catch, "The Hio clan powers are stronger than average pureblood powers, which gives the user an even more chance to fall to insanity. It has been said the Hio's have gone crazy at some point in time…"

Her smile was still there, but it was a sad one. I knew why too, she had been locked up when she was born by the senate. They feared because of the knowledge that she would lose her mind as well like her ancestors before her. It sort of happened when father died in the anime; she was blinded by rage to see the true culprit behind his death and murdered the Kiryu's. It was too late when she realized the man who had put her husband's name on the execution list was Rido.

And the hunt for revenge began again. But only she failed to get it when Kaname took her life. She was seeking to take his powers, like she said when she asked Yuki to kill him or offer herself to her. She, of course, knew Yuki was a vampire. She was engaged to Rido, so no doubt she would have some background on her future husband's family. Either way, she would get Kuran blood.

She would be able to fight fire with fire. But what she didn't account for was the fact Kaname was an ancestor. I doubt anyone realized that but the Kurans themselves. Especially Rido, since he killed the real Kaname and placed the ancestor in the baby's body. Even still, he gained the feelings of the baby- even the love for Yuki, and was loved by the Kuran parents. It's still confusing even after summing it all up like that…

"To use your natural energy…" Mother pulled me out of my thoughts, her voice sounding a bit reluctant, "You merely have to focus, and the rest will become clear." She walked over to me, stopping at my side before placing a gentle hand on my head again. It was quiet, the only movement was the slowly falling the snow and the petals from the newly formed blossom tree.

"…don't strain yourself." And with that, she removed her hand and journeyed back into the house.

It had been a week since she had taught me, and I know why she was reluctant to tell me such information. My will was weak, as it seems, I'm shy and very quiet. No one would ever label me as strong willed, which was probably why she worried. If I tried to manipulate my powers and failed, I'd be no different than those before us. Insane.

She even warned me the following morning that she'd like to oversee my practice if I choose to work with it, and to tell her when I was going to try. Talk about being over protective…but then again, father seemed to watch me closer than usual. They were both worried about me. Great.

"…and if it was only for a few minutes, it wouldn't matter if they caught us it would just be for a second. They are still going to be gone for another hour so we have plenty of time! We could make a quick snow man, smash it and be back inside before they notice!" …is she still talking about going outside? Yes, Akemi was indeed still complaining about being cooped up in the house.

"It's too cold." I reasoned, sipping my half empty (full?) cup. Her drink was already gone as she was jabbering away, her canvas still untouched. Mine was still sketched out, another sakura tree. Perhaps it is time to learn…? I shook my head, clearing those thoughts away. Mother seemed to want to be there when I learned, so I will just have to wait.

She ran a hand threw her short choppy black hair, her emerald eyes narrowing on me, "Too cold? You've lived here your whole life and its freezing. Just inside your room! You're a terrible liar Shi-chan, you're used to this and you're not cold! Let's go outside already!" I opened my mouth to protest, but her words registered in my head and I gazed at the floor. Why? Because she was 100% right.

She only has been here a month and she has all the cards she needs to win.

"Shi-chaaaaaaaan~!" I jumped as two arms wrapped around my neck and started swaying me. Akemi gave me a baby-like pout, her eyes looking upward, "Pleeeeease? I wanna go outside!" Then she did the worse thing. She gave me the puppy dog eyes.

I bit my lip before sighing irritably, "F-fine, just quit doing that." She straightened up and smirked before turning towards the door, "You're too easy to fool, Shi-chaaan!" She giggled evilly before waltzing out of the room. I was still temporarily dumbfounded before giving a long sigh. Akemi was a trickster, loud mouth, and she just radiated sunshine and smiles. Her secret weapon? The puppy dog eyes.

Whoever invented those needs to be shot. Now.

After changing out of my dark blue kimono I had on into long fluffy white snow pants with a white fluffy coat, and fluffy white boots with fluffy white earmuffs, I walked out of my room. I loved fluffy things…and the color of snow. Maybe it was because it's the only stuff I had…

"Ne ne, you done yet?" I peeked over the railing that viewed down the stairs from the second floor to the bottom. Akemi was waiting at the bottom of the stairs in the same garb as me only this was yellow. I still wonder where father got our clothes…then again I think father does most of the shopping or anything around here. Mother most likely does things that don't reveal her to the public. Things they don't tell me and I'm too awkward to ask…

"Only for a bit…" I stated as I met up with her at the bottom of the stairs, or at least tried. On the last step, my footing got scrambled. Left leg first? Or was it right…It didn't matter then, because my face met the floor almost instantly. "HAHAHA! Face fall! Wipe out! Nice!" Akemi cheered, laughing loudly and pointing down at me. Heat rose to my cheeks from embarrassment as I quickly stood back up.

Akemi still howled with laughter, and I sent her a quiet glare to shut her up. I could be serious if I wanted to be, or maybe push aside my shyness and use what's called 'control' on her. I had briefly glimpsed it once when mother and father talk, but I doubt it was intentional.

'Control' is what purebloods use to have other vampires do their bidding. It a cruel way to get what you want, and maybe if the vampire will is strong enough they could break free, bu other than that your just trapped in a spell. Like what Rido did to the night class and how Shizuka played with Zero.

However, in my eyes, it's a sadistic way to chain a vampire to you. I don't like it, and I think it's a horrible way to get what you need. Why not ask kindly without glaring or smirking?

"Sorry, Shi-chan…you just look so funny when you mess up." She wiped a tear away, patting my shoulder like I was laughing with her. I can tell you right now, I was not. Am I proud of the fact that my clumsiness brings her pleasure? No. It's flat out embarrassing.

The huge double doors too our house opened before we reached it, revealing father…and a backpack? Yes, how else would he carry his things? It only makes sense. "O-oh, hello um we were just…erm…" Akemi stumbled over her words as father approached us with his signature scowl. I was unfazed, but Akemi just shrunk back behind me. Father didn't seem to notice, or even bother to mind Akemi was cowering behind me, "Hello father…." I greeted quietly as he looked down at me.

"Hm…did she teach you?" Ah, referring to mothers talk a while ago. With a simple nod, he placed the back pack on the floor, "She asked me to supervise your training…not that I'm already busy…" He grumbled under his breath, and I couldn't help but smile.

Mad that he has to do it but does it anyway. I love him…too bad he…

"Training?" I questioned, blocking unwanted thoughts from arising. He pulled out two things from the backpack, a large object and a small object. The large object…was a big long and beautifully black katana. The small object…was a sapling? Akemi was now beside me, the fear replaced with curiosity. Though I'm pretty sure a cat was killed by that…

"She said it was for training…I'm to make sure you don't get energy exhaustion or worse…" His eyes flicked briefly to me but remained on the objects in hand. The sapling I understand for my training but… "The katana?" He didn't answer, just dropped the blade into Akemi's hands, who scrambled not to drop it.

"Outside." Was all he said as he slung the backpack over his shoulder and led us out into the front yard of the mansion. I was confused as to why Akemi would need a katana, but she didn't look the least bit agitated or confused as to why it was in her hands. In fact, she seemed…excited? Anxious?

"Now…you can start…" He put the backpack down in the snow, sitting on it casually while setting the sapling in front of him. I stared for a moment, wondering what to do. Father didn't even seem to care I was off in my thoughts again, just casually leaning back and watching. Akemi had wondered off towards the tree line, perhaps to use her new weapon?

I sat, crisscross, in front of the sapling and scanned it up and down. It was tiny, with a weak stem barely supporting two identical green leaves. Hmm…pine? No, that doesn't matter, this training is supposed to change and grow it…no matter its origins. My eyes drifted over to the blossom tree in the corner of the clearing.

"Focus, huh?" I mused, remembering mother's words. My eyes gazed down at the small plant, swaying to the slight breeze.

Freeze.

I felt it, like hot chocolate running threw my veins. This is natural energy…? No, it's positive energy…negative energy probably feels like acid…There was a tugging pull at my hand, and I steadily rose it towards the plant. It was almost like the plant was pulling me in…wanting me to touch-

No. That's not supposed to happen. I'm in control, not it. I'm making the commands. I held my breath and focused hard on my hand. Away from the tugging…obey me…do something other than defy me…everything seemed to be failing as my hand inched closer. How am I going to get this to work? How can I get plants to do my bidding?…what would Shizuka do?

Coax it…be gentle…

My middle finger barely touched the rim of one of the leaves, and that's when I began to whisper to it. At this point I was willing to try anything to get out of this situation, and maybe talking to the dang plant was a bit of a stretch. Whispering soothing words was hard, because the wrong words could make the pull harder or the tone could make it jerk.

But eventually, even though the pull was still strong, it stopped moving my hand towards the plant.

"That's enough." My father's voice startled me, breaking my concentration and completely diminishing the pull. I lost focus… "Let's rest." I was scoped up into his arms, startled but suddenly aware of my heavy breathing, rapid heart rate, and exhausted muscles. The warm hot chocolate that was in my system seemed almost halfway gone and I was already worn out.

"Is she okay?" I turned my head to see Akemi approached us with her katana slung on her back, a strap that connected her to it. Father merely opened the door to the mansion while she followed us closely, "This is what happens when you first use energy…"

"C-can you...use it…?" I asked. It was possible. He had in fact drunk mother's blood, so it should be there. Just like how Zero gained the power. "You felt it didn't you? That warm feeling whenever you used natural energy?"

"Yes." I was surprised Akemi answered too. She must have already been given the run down before she ran away…but it makes me wonder, what exactly are her abilities?

"I don't have that; I was changed and have only negative energy. It burns like crazy when it's used…" Ah, so I was right about it being acid. Positive is warm while negative burns and stings. No wonder father didn't use it…he grumbled something I didn't catch, but I only made out 'stupid' and 'blood'.

I chuckled quietly. Father was just so fun to be around sometimes. Even though his scowl is scary, his voice is…gentle and calming…even Akemi came out of hiding when he began to talk.

Talk.

Talking, even though it did little, helped the pull from the plant stop. Its rough movements had calmed down…just from a few simple words. Words…they really do have a profound impact on everything. No doubt Akemi would get this power in no time…and no wonder my parents were worried, I barely speak around them to begin with.

Perhaps I could master my powers…? If so, can I find different ways to manipulate it…find different tricks. I need to use everything, because there is no doubt it my mind that Kaname's crazy streak will lead to me. I want to be prepared in case he does confront me…and to protect Akemi.

And to kill Rido Kuran.

Just his name has started to make my blood run cold. He put my father's name on the execution list…he sent him to death. Kaname killed my mother…the Kuran's took everything from me.

Every time I think of them, I can tell I'll hold a grudge. Yes, I'll probably go after Rido in my stupidity…I'll start planning, creating battle techniques and positioning. Akemi no doubt will follow; the earlier doubt of her leaving me is long gone. She treats me like a younger sister, and would probably take a bullet for me…which horrifies me.

I'll probably die in the long run, but I can't let Akemi die…maybe I can distract her? Send her home? No, she seems too loath that place. Then I guess we die together…?

Look at me, five years old and already thinking about death. How strange is that? I already have everything planned out too…once mother murders the Kiryu's ( I cringed a little here) I'll leave with Akemi, we'll find a safe place to hide…but I'm certain we'll stay away from Cross academy. Kaname is there…Yuki…Zero…Kaien…Yagari…

People who wouldn't hesitate in killing and/or screaming at me. That is a major no-no zone…what I'm really targeting is Rido's revival. Kaname had messed his world up, and he had been put in recuperation. While doing so, he possessed a child to see what was going on in the outside world, even going as far as to confront Yuki. Then he possessed Senri…

That's when I'll strike, before he has a chance to attack himself to the guy. Besides, I remember Rima fighting for Senri and declaring it to be to cutest moment ever. It was and still is but it isn't going to be…because it won't happen.

I'll kill Rido before he has even the slightest chance of touching Senri, saving a lot of lives in the process. Who knows? Maybe Kaname won't go berserk on me and I'll live to return home in one piece…

…who am I kidding? I'm gonna get killed.

Im once again surprised how fast this got completed. Seems a bit easier when not trying to follow the story, hm?

Natural energy is something i imagined vampires used. i mean, they just don't go about throwing their powers around without any side effects, right? that goes for Kaname too...but they've made him darn near invincible...Zero needs to hurry up and shoot him. He's getting on my nerves.

Akemi is fun, ne? Still haven't figured her last name out? good...though the katana should have been a dead give away...

Reveiw and tell me your thoughts. I mean it. click that button. the big button. It loves you.