Curse of the Crimson Flower

Chapter 1: Red Carnations


(Yuuki's Point of View)

"Zero you would not believe what little Yuuki was doing when I walked in!" Ichiru casually turned towards me with a sly grin "Seriously the look on your face was priceless! Kaien must be crying wherever he is, a pure Kodak moment."

"Ahhh stop it Ichi-kun, you were the one who told me I could do anything if I put my mind to it! Don't forget that I just barely passed last year. I don't want to be known as Headmaster Cross's daughter that repeated her final year!"

Stupid Ichiru. I thought you were on my side! Maybe it would've been better after all if Zero had walked in on me. He probably would have just stared at me like some alien and walked away. Just my luck, now I have to endure Ichiru's constant teases. As if today being the first day of my final year wasn't bad enough! I really wish the ground would just swallow me up right now

"I'm sorry Yuuki. True I did say that, but did you have to take me so literally? I know…in future to avoid these situations, why not hang a DO NOT DISTURB, Busy Self Motivating sign on your door?"

"Ichi-kun! How would you like it if someone had walk-" I was determined to give Ichiru a piece of my mind when I felt soft arms envelope me into a friendly hug. I knew this warmth.


Yori my iris... sincere to the flower she is wise, faithful, brave and my cherished friend

I started attending Cross Academy 2 years ago along with my best friend Sayori but I call her Yori-chan. We grew up together since Kaien's flamboyant personality did not suit everyone, but only Yori remained unfazed by his antics. His constant outburst often meant we were the centre of attention; once during middle school the Headmaster ran over dressed in his pyjamas and Hubert his cuddly bear claiming he forgotten about the parent-teacher appointment. Thank God I was saved when Zero and Ichiru came from their class and helped distract everyone (mainly the girls) and soon that embarrassing situation was forgotten. Now 4 years later, who would have though the same man would be running an Academy?

You can easily distinguish she hails from the affluent Wakaba family from her mere presence; always calm and composed she is a true lady. The idol of every girl and the target of the school heartthrobs, unfortunately Yori has one flaw. She is not interested in such' trivial' things as romance, or so she says. Personally I believe she just hasn't met Mr. Right yet. For as long as I can remember Yori had been trapped in the world of deceit and lies, her first and only love ended in heart break when she realised she was nothing more than a ploy used to take down Wabaka Enterprise. She vowed then and there, that she would become someone who would live without the protection of her parents. She cut her hair and hid her identity as the future heir to the Wakaba legacy. Yori didn't want to admit it but I could tell she was trying to protect her family in her own way. She is indeed courageous just like the iris. So now here we are, 2 years later.


"Yori-chan! Welcome back! It looks like we are all in the same class again! Did you have a good time seeing your family after so long? You have to tell me everything!" Sneaking a look over my shoulder, I realised Ichiru and Zero were nowhere near. Not a good sign. I quickly grabbed hold of her hands and sped towards our first lesson, "But for now we should hurry to class. Don't want to be late for Sensei's lesson. He's a new teacher so we don't know much about him, but I hear he is handsome as well as strict!"


First Period: Chemistry

"Hello everyone my name is Kaito Takamiya but you can address me as Takamiya-sensei. Staring this year I will be your Chemistry teacher. Let me make this clear, I don't accept excuses; if you going to be late then don't bother coming to my lessons and if you can't keep up with the homework you might as well drop Chemistry now. Any questions?"

Just like the rumours, he truly was handsome. Ash brown hair framed his serene face and hid his mysterious eyes. His impassive expression greatly contrasted against his mystic eyes shimmering with secrets. His eyes were almost hypnotic, provoking your inner most secrets. He wore a simple suit like many of the teachers but it showed off his built figure appeasing the eyes of the girls. There was no doubt, he was amazing beautiful but there was this cold edge to his words that unnerved me.

Taking in my surroundings, I suddenly noticed him staring at me…more like Zero who sat on my right. His eyes quickly glazed over to Ichiru who was on the row below us next to Yori, before returning back to Zero. It was the slightest of movement but I noticed the corners of his mouth shot up into a sneer. Huh? Does sensei know Zero and Ichiru? Before I could ask anything, Zero abruptly stomped off. Sure Zero cutting lessons was nothing new but I have never seen him leave so soon. Something about the way Takamiya-sensei looked at Zero really bothers me. I need to go after Zero, I was about to go after him when I felt Ichiru's hands blocking me.

"Let him be…constant reminders of the past are painful but overcoming such hardships makes one stronger," Ichiru ushered evermore cryptic words and his half heartily smiled did little to reassure my concern for Zero.

Sorry Ichiru, I mentally apologised as I flicked his hands and escaped Ichiru's grasp. How can I just leave Zero like that? Zero ever since 4 years ago was an impenetrable fortress, carrying all the burdens by himself. Why won't you let anyone else in Zero?


(Ichiru's Point of View)

"Wow never thought I would see the day Yuuki would disobey you." Yori bluntly pointed out.

"That's because she doesn't realise her feelings for him. She doesn't know it yet, but in her heart there is only enough room for one of us. It has long been Zero's touch she craves, only his smiles that she seeks and her heart calls out to him. But saying that I am still saddened to lose my little Yuuki, I wanted to latch onto these small fingers that patted my head and made me feel safe over those 4 years."

"Ichiru-kun, don't tell me…you also have feelings for Yuuki?" Yori stammered slightly, her composure momentarily slipping at hearing the shocking revelation.

"Ahaha don't be silly!" I slapped the tables in hysterics. "Me...in love with Yuuki? Hahaha. I've never heard anything so absurd!"

I always knew this day would come, the day when those frail limbs of Yuuki would help shoulder Zero's guilt. Maybe a part of me did love Yuuki like she said, but Zero will always come first to me. We share so much; our lineage, face, Yuuki…but you alone are tainted with the seeds of sin by that woman.

Zero please don't hate yourself, I'm sure you are still the same loving brother I grew up with. And I'm sure Yuuki feels the same way, she'll support you in a way I can't. Forgive me Zero; forgive me for having been born in this weak body that cannot support you. The rest I leave to you…Yuuki Cross.


(Flashback)

"Ichi-kun here you go, I plucked a carnation for you. Do you know that red carnations mean admiration and friendship? So I couldn't think of a more suitable flower to give you." Yuuki blissfully handed the carnation over to me.

"Thank you Yuuki, how thoughtful of you. Ah! But what is that you're hiding in your other hand?" I probed my head behind her to see a pair of long flowers.

"These are gladiolus. They are umm…for Zero. Don't you think it suits him? They signify strength, sincerity and admiration… Do you think Zero will like it? It's even considered a manly flower."

I didn't understand it back then, the reason you were being so anxious. Yuuki you little liar, you didn't tell me that gladiolus also symbolise beauty and infatuation, meaning they pierce your heart like a sword!

Who could blame her for being apprehensive? Zero has long since isolated himself from everyone since we started living with the Headmaster. Maybe it was Yuuki's kind heart that started it all... She never gave up on Zero and her constant attempts to include Zero in every 'family' event slowly opened up his heart. I cannot understand the secret burden he bears but if anyone was capable of healing his soul, it would be Yuuki.

As I walked past her bedroom that night, I could hear her silent sobs from behind the closet. Yuuki always hid inside her closet when she was upset, she hid her tears to avoid burdening us. She called it her sanctuary, a place where she could put down her guard and let out all her emotions. She always pretended to be strong and smiled no matter how tormented she was inside.

"Yuuki what's wrong?" I questioned as I plopped on her bed. As I waited for her to answer, I looked up to the ceiling and silently counted the stars she had stuck onto the walls. When she was younger, Kaien often told her bedtime stories about princess whose wishes all came true. Of course true to Kaien's personality, he told Yuuki that she should do the same and bought her a packet star stickers. He promised that all her wishes would come true if she named a star for each of her wish.

After a few minutes, I heard the sound of the closet sliding open as Yuuki peaked her little head out apprehensively.

"Zero didn't accept my flowers, he said there is nothing to admire about him and...threw it on the floor."

"Yuuki when have you ever taken what Zero said seriously? Don't tell me...you are getting soft. He's probably scared that if he accepted it, he would owe you something in return. You know Zero, he doesn't like to show his real feeling. I bet he was secretly happy. Now I have an idea, why don't you tell me what the meaning of sunflowers and tulips are?"

Before we knew it, hours had passed and her previous troubles were long forgotten. It became evident that Yuuki was feeling sleepy so we decided to say goodnight then. I slowly lifted the bedsheets over her legs and tucked Yuuki in.

"Goodnight my little Yuuki," I whispered and kissed her forehead. As I turned around, I could faintly make out Zero's departing shadow underneath the door; but when I opened the doors, all that was left of his presence was the warm square where he sat listening to us and the weak aroma of the gladiolus.

That day I vaguely became aware of the distance growing between the three of us; Zero who had locked away his heart, Yuuki who saved her heart for her beloved and me who promised to watch over and protect their budding feelings.


Author's Note:

* Iris the flower signifying wisdom, valued friendship, faith, hope, valour and my compliments.
* Red Carnations connote admiration, friendship, pride, fascination
* Gladiolus means strength of character, remembrance, infatuation, splendid beauty, sincerity, flower of the Gladiators, admiration, tells recipients that they pierce the heart like a sword.

Maybe you noticed that the chapter is based on a flower, all my chapters will be named after flowers and their meaning. This chapter is called Red Carnations the flower describes admiration, friendship, fascination. All of which Yuuki felt for Zero and Ichiru.

To avoid loop holes forming and speed up the romance I made Yuuki 8 when Kaien found her on the snow. So 10 years later she is 18 and in the final year of school. Meaning Zero and Ichiru were 15 at the time of the attack. This way I can start Zeki development.

It'll leave the strength of Ichiru's love for Yuuki open to the readers to decide. Anyone notice how similar it is to the Haruhi+Hikaru+Karou love triangle from Ouran :)
Everyone please review and tell me what you think…I really hope it doesn't feel rushed or draggy since it's mainly full of flashbacks and the plot is just starting. Tell me what you think.


Thank you little. starrie, my first ever reviewer *adds to Hall of Fame* lol 3

Yes I wanted to call it Oath of the Crimson Flower but realised Curse sounds more interesting.
OMG I loved Curse of the Golden Flower too, the costumes and buildings were so beautiful and extravagant!

You will have to wait and see the Juuri+Haruka+Rido love triangle…I have a lot lined up for them but that's much later :)
Haha I liked Ichiru and always felt he was prematurely killed off in VK. So I was determined to keep him alive in my story and show off his brotherly love for Zero. I am a twin myself so I just based their interaction off of us.

Yeah...women oppressed society and I will be touching on the issue of polygamy and concubines later.
I wanted Shizuka to seem scary/crazy here but there is more to her story as you will see...
Well I wanted to keep the Headmaster the same. In the first chapter I made him seems very serious and now in this chapter he is a goofball. I wanted to personify both sides of his eccentric personality.

Thanks, I have exams coming up in September but then onwards I should be completely free to focus on my story.