Author's note: Hi I'm back. Sorry for the long wait. The reason the story went on hiatus is because I had an important exam('N' levels) and I had to spend most of my time studying for it. Thank you for waiting so patiently and I hope that you would continue to read the story until the very end. The updates may that longer than I thought because I have to re-watch the series again (Especially the second season).

This chapter will focus more on Auska and Yuki's sister relationship so for those who anticipated Auska/Zero scenes, don't worry there still will be a few scenes with them. Do note that this fan fiction isn't going to be completely about the romance between Auska and Zero because I want my character to establish a relationship/bond with other characters which I found lacking in most OC fan fictions I read

Do leave a comment after each chapter, your kind words gets me more motivated every time and pushes me to write more.

Trivia: I reference a scene from another anime in this chapter so do try to spot it.

Hope you would enjoy this chapter.

-0-

Previously*

I have to get stronger in order to become a better vampire hunter.

And most importantly, to protect Yuki.

-0-

The next day was another uneventful day for the discipline committee in school. Due to the fact that they have to patrol the night, they sometimes suffer from pretty bad insomnia. As a result, they often fall asleep in the middle of class, getting them constantly into big trouble by the teachers.

During their final lesson, Auska leaned against the palm of her hand as she struggle to stay awake, exhausted from patrolling the school grounds the previous night. She stared at the blackboard blankly as she tries to write down notes on her notebook.

In front of her, Auska could spot Yuki fast asleep on her desk snoring quietly. Sitting next to her was Zero, who was also sleeping soundly.

Last night must had been very tiring for both of them She thought to herself hopefully sensei doesn't notice this time. Her words spoke to soon.

The teacher spotted Yuki sound asleep and walked over to her and Sayori's table to walk her up. "Yuki," He tried to wake her but with no prevail. "Yuki!"

It was until Sayori whispered something into Yuki's ear. "Yuki, today's special is ginger-fried pork." Suddenly, Yuki jumped out of her seat. "Thank you for the meal!" She yelled out, only to realize that everyone, including the teacher were staring at her. Every student in class laugh at Yuki's sudden outburst, even Auska was giggling a little.

"Napping again?" The teacher said in grimace as he looked up to Zero's sleeping form. "Both you and Kiryu. At least Auska is taking the initiative to try to stay awake."

Yuki turned around to see Zero fast asleep while Auska also stared at him. "Being prefects must be quite a demanding job for both of you." The teacher continued.

"Well, please don't mind us." She apologized as she rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment.

However, her teacher was not pleased with Yuki's response. "Both if you, stay after class!" The teacher hissed before returning to the blackboard, Yuki whining in defeat. "Auska, please wake Zero up."

"Yes, sensei." Auska replied. As she turned to her right side to wake Zero up, she couldn't help but notice how peaceful he looked as he slept. When he moved his head to the right where she was sitted, Auska could see black circles forming around the bottom of Zero's eyes. His breathing in a rhythmic pattern.

The more Auska stared at his face, the more thoughts ran through her mind. I have never seen Zero in such a state before. So quiet and peaceful. Since the first time he came into mine and Yuki's lives, he has also kept a cold shoulder.

4 years ago*

During that cold stormy night, Auska and Yuki were helping to clean the living room when they heard the main door open. "I'm back." Kaien called out to his daughters. The girls stopped what they were doing a head to the door.

There they saw a boy of similar age to them standing next to Kaien wrapped up tightly with a coat and his was face was voided from any expressions. It was only filled with anger and hate.

"Girls, this is Zero Kiryu," Kaien introduced him to Yuki and Auska ,"Starting from today, I'll be taking care of him. Be nice to him, his family was murdered by a vampire."

After hearing about the terrible tragedy that has befallen upon Zero's family, Yuki stared at him in shock. It brought her back to that fateful night when she was found and rescued by Kaname. Auska, noticing the frightened look on her sister's face, held on to her hand to comfort her. "It's okay." She whispered into Yuki's ear gently. Like her, Auska was shocked too. Afterall, the only vampires she knew do not attack human so it was the first time she heard of a vampire massacring an entire family.

"Help him clean up. I have some business with the police I have to deal with." Kaien said before walking of, leaving Yuki and Auska with Zero.

"Yuki, I'll go prepare the bath. You help Zero in, okay." Auska said to Yuki before heading to the bathroom to fill the bathtub with warm water. 'So there are vampires who kill humans.' She thought to herself as she watched the water fill up the tube. 'I couldn't imagine how helpless he must have felt.'

It wasn't long before Yuki manage to bring Zero into the bathroom. "The water is still running so you might have to wait for a while Zero." Auska said as she turned to Zero and Yuki.

"I'll go get some extra clothes in the other room Auska." Yuki said to her sister before leaving the bathroom, leaving Auska and Zero alone with each other.

"The bath is almost ready. Is it okay if I remove you coat." She asked kindly. Zero didn't say anything. Despite not answering her questions, Auska took of his coat slowly, revealing his bloody pale neck.

Auska's eyes widened in shock, she had never seen such a sight before. She quickly grab a small towel and wet it in the bath before facing Zero again. "I'm going to clean it of now, okay?" Auska said but Zero continued to stay quiet. Auska start cleaning up the blood on him, making sure that the strokes she applied were not to rough. "luckily it isn't a wound." She sighed in relief.

Present*

That boy I saw those years ago looked like he was about to shatter into a million pieces. See Zero like this somehow make me feel... happy. Auska smiled to herself as she turned back to her notes, letting Zero continue sleeping, but she can't seem to take her eyes of him.

But seeing Zero like this, also made me realize how... handsome he is.

Realise what she was thinking, Auska started blushing furious and quickly went back to focus on her school work. Just at that moment, Zero woke up from his slumber. "Did you say something?" He asked her.

"NO! I didn't." Auska stammered, her face getting redder in embarrassment as she stared at her notes Crap! Did he read my thoughts or something. "You have mistaken, Zero."

Zero stared at her, suprised by her awkward reply. It wasn't long before he finally sat up straight properly. "OK, I got it. Geesh, you don't have to get so defensive, you know." Zero said bluntly before focusing on his notes.

Auska sworn a vein popped in her head. "WELL I'M NOT ONE WHO DECIDED TO TAKE A NAP IN THE MIDDLE OF CLASS!" She snapped loudly. too loudly. Auska soon realise everyone, including their teacher, was looking at her and Zero.

"Auska Cross." Their teacher barked at her. "No talking or yelling in class Detention for you too!"

Auska's face pale when she heard the word 'detention'. She let out a big sigh and hit her head onto her desk in embarrassment as all her classmates, excluding Yuki, laughing at her. Perfect! What a great day.

-0-

After their last period of the day, the school bell finally rung. Most of the students have already left the class. The only remaining students were Yuki, Sayori, Auska and Zero.

"I can't believe I have detention." Auska cried out softly, her hands covering up her face to hide the tears rolling out of her eyes. Zero rolled his eyes as he packed his books. "This thing isn't worth crying for so stop sulking. Detention isn't as bad as you think, Auska."

"Says the one who get detention almost every single day." Auska said as she stared angry at Zero.

Zero sighed. He quickly gather up his books into his arms and made his way out the classroom. "Wait. You still have to stay in class." Auska called out to him. "You have detention too, Zero."

"I'm still feel exhausted." Zero said as he walked out of class. "I'll meet you and Yuki again during patrolling."

"Hold on a minute you can't skip out, you get into more trouble." Auska ran out to the corridor to try and stop Zero again but when she got there, he has already disappear. Well, typical Zero Auska sighed heavily before walking back to her table.

In front, Yuki was still with Sayori as she got ready to leave the classroom but was stopped by Yuki. "Wait, are you leaving now? If you have time, would you stay and study with me?" She begged Sayori.

"Why?" Sayori asked.

"Because I have studying with Zero, it's so boring." Yuki whined.

"Oh, why is that? I thought you two were pretty good friends." Yuki stared at Sayori. Yes it true she and Auska grew close to him during the past four years but she never really seen herself and Zero being good friends.

"You don't have to worry Yuki," Auska said, joining the conversation as she sat beside her sister. "You still have me to study with."

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot. You have detention too, Auska." Sayori remembered as she turned to the table in the back roll. "And by the way, Zero left already."

Upon hearing that, Yuki spun around, only to find his seat empty. "WHAT!"

"Sorry Yuki. I tried to stop him but he somehow he managed to get away quickly." Auska said with a sweatdrop dripping from her head.

Yuki shook her head. "Don't worry Auska." She then clenched her teeth and form a fist. "He is going to get a piece of my mind once detention is over."

"I should get going." Sayori said as she walk out of class. "See you later, guys."

"Bye, Yori." Yuki and Auska said, waving back to their friend. Finally, it was only them remaining in class. "Well, we should use next forty five minutes to catch up on what you missed during third period. Our exams are coming soon after all." Auska said to Yuki with a smile on her face.

"I guess your right." Yuki agreed, smiling back. A question then popped in her mind. "I have been meaning to ask Auska. What did Zero say to that made you yell at him earlier on?"

"Well... " Auska tried to find the right word as folded her arms together. "Let's just say he is as dense as ever."

"I see." But I wonder Yuki thought to herself does Auska think of Zero as a good friend. Zero does tend to open up more to her than me or the headmaster.

"That is enough talking about Zero for now." Auska said as she opened her Mathematics book, snapping Yuki out of her thoughts. "We should focus more on our studies for now. So, what would like me to go through first?"

-0-

For the next thirty minutes, Auska use the time to tutor Yuki the topics she missed out on. Yuki was confused at first but soon was able to understand the different concepts. Her adopted sister has been great help whenever I came to to her studies. That brought about another question into her head.

"Auska, what made want to become a vampire hunter?" Yuki voiced suddenly but curiously, causing Auska to stop her lecture on trigonometry. "Why do you ask all the sudden?" She asked.

"I just that.." Yuki began. "You are very capable in many things. Your intelligent. Your skillful. Your kind but slightly impatient. And you seem to get along well with the vampires unlike Zero. So why do choose to be a vampire hunter?"

Auska looked at her sister. The question reminded her about the conversation she had the previous night with Zero. She then answered Yuki's question with a simple reply. "It because I want to protect those who I can't protect themselves."

"Oh." Yuki added. "But was there any other job opportunities you wanted to go for. From what I can see, you could also be a great teacher."

"I don't I would have the patience for that. If I were a teacher, I think I would be screaming at my students all day." Auska joked, making Yuki giggle. "With full honesty, I once considered becoming a full-time doctor."

"A doctor. That sounds like a great career. Why did you drop it?"

"Who said I dropped the idea." Auska answered, receiving a confused look from Yuki. "I could still study to become become a doctor and be part of the vampire hunter organisation. that way if my teammates or victims of vampire attacks are hurt, I could help heal them."

"I see. Well, if that is what you want to do, I'll support your decision." Yuki said with a thumbs-up.

Her reaction shock at first. Yuki, her adopted sister who since a young age had a soft spot for the vampires, is supporting her decision to become a vampire hunter. Even their father was reluctant at first. "Are you serious?"

"Unlike other vampire hunters, you reason for becoming one is to help maintain peace between humans and vampires, not to destroy every vampires. In one way or another, is almost like a Peacekeeper." Yuki implied with a smile. "If only we have vampire hunters with your mindset, I'm sure we're able to close the bridge between the two species."

"I guess when you put it that way, you kinda right." Auska said as she smiled back. "Then what about Zero, do you support his decision to be a vampire hunter?"

The question was too easy for Yuki to answer. "I do. But, if he actually took the time to get to know those we could trust, he can see that humans and vampires can coexist together. Although, I understand why he hates vampires so much, considering his terrible encounter years ago."

"We each have our own beliefs, Yuki. If Zero chooses to believe that vampires are nothing but monsters, he might never change his opinion. We just have to respect his views" Auska added.

A serious expression then appear on her face and her voice toned down. "Yuki, can you promise me something. between sister to sister." Auska asked.

"Sure." Yuki agreed. "What is it?"

Auska grabbed and held her sister's tightly. "Promise me that you would never get to close to vampires."

That statement made Yuki's eyes widen. "Why do you say that."

"it's because.." Auska was about to continue when the school bell rang, interrupting the conversation between the sisters. "Detention is over, we should find Zero quickly and patrol the school grounds."

"Yeah, we should get going." Yuki and Auska quickly gather up their books and made their way out of the classroom. "One thing though." Yuki said. "Where do you think Zero could be hiding, he could be anywhere!"

"My best bet is that his is resting in the stables. You can start there." Auska suggested. "From what know, he befriended one of the horses who has a terrible attitude towards anyone besides him."

"Yep. Reminds me of someone we know." Yuki said sarcastically as a sweat drop dripped from her head.

"I'll meet the both of you later, I have to head to the headmaster's office to get my bow and arrows." Auska said as she starts walking to the left direction. "See you later, okay."

"Okay, see you later." And with that, Yuki started walking the other direction. However, she can't stop thinking about what Auska said to her. 'Never get to close to vampires' , I wonder what Auska meant. What made her say that all the sudden? Was there something she has been meaning to tell me? Yuki immediately shook her head toclear her mind I shouldn't worry to much on that. Auska would never hid anything from me. Maybe she would tell me when we meet up again.

On the other hand, Auska was also deep in her thoughts too. Yuki still doesn't realise that she can be too trusting towards the vampires. I just hope she would take my advice seriously.It was not before long she reached finally reached the headmaster's office.

Knock. Knock. "Come in." Kaien called from the inside. Auska opened the door, only to find piles of paper work surrounding her father's table.

"Father, are you okay!" Auska gasped, her eyes widened in shock. She had never seen so much paperwork before.

"Don't worry my precious girl, I'm fine." Kaien said is he dig himself out of the pile of paper. "It just more than I anticipated but I manage to compete half of them so far."

I wonder how much is 'more'. She thought to herself as her eye twitch at the sight. "You know Father, your overworking youself. Why don't you try and take a nice break once in a while?" Auska said concernly.

"I wish I could." He confessed. "However, with my duties as the headmaster of Cross Academy, being a doting parent and trying to unite humans and vampires, I might take awhile until I get that rest.That's enough about me, what is your purpose for coming here, dear Auska."

"I'm just here to get Ninigi." Auska said. "It's time for the guardians to patrol the school grounds."

"Okay. You should get going quickly, you wouldn't want Yuki and Zero to wait for you for too long." Her father stated as Auska place her books down on a nearby table before slinging her quiver over her shoulder and grabbing her bow. "I understand. See you Father."

-0-

A few hours has passed since the guardians have met up to patrol the school. There are now on the roof of one of the smaller building where they an get a bird's eye view of the school campus. It was also coincidently right next to the building where the classroom of the Night Class is located.

As she walked around the roof, Yuki shifted her gaze to the Night Class's classroom, hoping to spot Kaname. Auska looked up in the same direction, only to see a few mistrustful eyes if a few vampires, particularly Ruka, one of the female vampires. I shouldn't be too surprise. I am training to be a vampire hunter. Auska thought as she looked away.

Out of all the the vampires, Kaname was the most supportive of her becoming a vampire hunter. Akatsuki, Hanabusa and Senri grew to accept it but grew a little weary of her. The others refused to interact with her. However, Auska didn't mind.

"So how is Kaname Kuran doing tonight?" Zero asked Yuki sarcastically. "I know his your hero."

Yuki started blushing furiously, quickly defending herself. "I wasn't just looking at Kaname. Stop assuming things!"

She then ran to the edge of the roof and looked around eagerly. "So far so good! Seems like the Night Class is behaving properly this evening. And no one from the Day Class is wondering around. All and all, it a peaceful night. Safe and sound at the academy."

"I wouldn't be so sure, Yuki." Auska cut in. "We should keep a better eye on the area. Who knows if anyone from either classes pop out of nowhere."

"I know, but if we continue with such improvements, there will be an increase chance in uniting vampires and humans." Yuki finished her statement with a smile.

Auska return her smile with her own before turning away to face the academy grounds, only to see Zero with a stern look on his face. "Do you actually believe it." He asked Yuki. "Do you believe that things are going well between the Day Class and Night Class?"

Yuki's expression saddened as she answered his question. "Of course I do. It's my hope that humans and vampires will be able to get along some day. That's what we're working towards."

Auska looked at Yuki solemnly. She has yet to understand that not all vampires are like Kaname. She just hopes that Yuki would keep the promise they made earlier(currently she doesn't know Yuki didn't understand what she meant).

Behind her, Zero face hardened as he heard both Yuki and Auska's thoughts. "I know that the headmaster thinks that the Night Class is by his side. That they believe in his pacifistic views and are 'good' vampires. But I don't believe it for a second."

"Yeah, but... " Yuki began but was stopped by Auska, who placed her hand on her shoulder and shook her head gently. She knew that it was impossible for Yuki to win the argument. Zero gripped onto his other arm, trying to hide the pain he is feeling. "I agreed to become a guardian for one reason." He implored. "No matter what, someday I would find the most effective way to destroy every one of those beast in human form."

"I'm going inside." Zero quickly turned away and jumped of the building, not sparing a look on Yuki and Auska.

Oh Zero Auska sighed in her thoughts as she turned to Yuki, who has a hurt expression on her face. "Are you okay, Yuki?" She asked.

"I'm alright." Yuki answered, quickly taking in a deep breath before continuing. "It's like you said during detention, we each have our own beliefs, right."

Auska smiled in return, happy that her sister remembered. However, she was mad that Zero has hurt Yuki's feelings. I have to have a nice talk with that guy.

She then turned to face the campus grounds. "I'll go patrol from the ground. Your able handle by your own, right Yuki?"

"Don't worry, I'll be able to protect myself. You go on ahead." Yuki assured her sister.

"Okay. Stay safe." In one swift move, Auska jumped of the building, landing perfectly on the ground with her left hand gripping her now tightly. She ran through the trees towards a group of benches. There, she spotted Zero sitting on one of them facing downward.

"Zero!" She called out to him as she ran towards him. "There you are. I thought you went patrolling inside the building. Listen, I need to talk to... "

"Shut up." Zero said softly, but loud enough for Auska to hear.

"What was that." She snapped as her tone changed. Auska was getting more impatient. Using her free arm, she grabbed Zero by the helm of his uniform and pulled him up towards her smaller frame when she could meet his eyes. "Listen, I can understand your judgement and hatred towards the vampires, but what you said to Yuki just now really hurt her feelings."

"tch." Zero rolled his eyes. "What about you, weren't you hurt by what I said too?"

Auska's eyes softened. She quickly let go of Zero, dropping him back onto the bench. "I was... a little." Auska admitted. "But unlike Yuki, I do believe that vampires that are evil and kill innocent people should be destroyed."

"At least you partly get what I said." Zero added as he slumped his back onto the bench, covering his eyes with the back of his hand. "Yuki just refuse to accept the truth."

Auska sighed at his comment. "I get where your coming from. Yuki is just too naive and trusting. But I know that she will soon come to understand."

"Honestly, I hope so too." Zero admitted as he faced her, surprising his friend. "Look, I may find your sister annoying, but I'm not going to allow vampires to take away more innocent human lives on my watch."

"Zero." Auska gasped softy. This was a different side of Zero she has never seen. He is always seen as a hardass but deep down, Zero actually feels sad and vulnerable. At the same time, he deeply cares about the safety of humans.

I was wrong all along Auska thought he isn't just blinded by vengeance. He does care. "I'm sorry."

"What for?" Zero asked confusingly.

"For what I said yesterday night. For saying your motive for being a vampire hunter is blinded by your vengeance for that vampire that killed your family and turned you into a vampire. I now know that you actually really care for the safety of humans. For that I apologise." Auska concluded her apology with a bow.

"Auska, you don't have to do that, you are embarrassing yourse..." Zero said as he stood up when suddenly, a faint but familiar smell hit his nose. He turned to each direction, trying to figure out when it was admitting from. "What's wrong Zero?" Auska asked, getting worried.

"I smell blood." Zero whispered. Her eyes widened quickly. Yuki!

-0-

Zero and Auska quickly made a dash for it, hoping to reach the building in time. At the same time, Auska reached for an arrow in her quiver and hooked it onto Ninigi while Zero took out his gun, the Bloody Rose, out from his uniform.

I knew it! I shouldn't have left her alone! Auska thought to herself, she could her heart beat faster and faster like its trying to pop out if her body. I just hope we're not to late.

As they closer and closer to the building, Zero and Auska could see Hanabusa biting Yuki's hand as she resisted and Akatsuki standing away from them like nothing is happening. They also spotted two female Day Class students watch the whole thing in fear.

That sight only made them angrier and run even faster. The vampires should have known better that drinking blood is prohibited on school grounds, and not to piss of two vampire hunters-in-training.

On the other side of the spectrum, Yuki struggled to remove her hand out if Hanabusa's strong grip as he drank some of her blood form it. "Aido, I said let go!" She exclaimed. However, Hanabusa was not ready to give up that easily.

"Oh but I want more." He said seductively as his now red eyes glowed brighter. Out of fright, the two Day Class students fainted but Hanabusa didn't care. All he wanted was to have a better taste of Yuki's blood.

He moved the collar of her uniform away, exposing her pale neck. "May I part take from your neck?"

"No, You Can't! Now let go if me!" Yuki continued to struggle under Hanabusa's grip but to no prevail.

Seeing and hearing how reluctant she was, Akatsuki tried to intervene. "Hanabu..." However, he stopped when Zero showed up and immediately pulled Yuki from Hanabusa's grip, holding up his gun to his head in the process.

Behind them, Auska pulled onto her bowstring tightly, ready to release her arrow in anytime. "I'm sorry, but drinking blood on school grounds is strictly forbidden, Hanabusa." She said strictly in a low and cold voice but the vampires could care less. Auska wasn't sure what to make out of, they were so different from how she knew them to be.

"So what was it?" Zero added in the same toned. "Did the smell of blood made you lose control, vampire?"

"Guys, hold on!" Yuki tried to stop them as she stood up after falling.

"Yuki, stay out of this!" Auska yelled. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have left you alone earlier on. Leave this to me and Zero."

"But.." However, she was interrupted by Hanabusa. "But I already tasted her." He said unapologeticly as he liked his lips. That was the last straw.

Zero pressed into the trigger of the Bloody Rose, firing a bullet. It made Hanabusa flinch but he realised that the bullet didn't land on him. Instead, Yuki has pushed Zero's arm away from him, causing the bullet to hit a nearby tree. "Yuki can't shoot him, idiot." She scolded Zero.

With Yuki in the way, Auska was hesitant about shooting her arrow. However, her grib in the bowstring began to weaken and she accidentally released it, causing the arrow to fire straight at Hanabusa.Everyone, except Zero, gasped in shock. Hanabusa close his eyes, ready to meet his end when an arm appeared behind him grabbing onto the arrow Auska fired. It was Kaname.

"Big brother Kaname." Auska greeted in shock. Kaname looked at the arrow she fired for a second before snapping it into two with his bare hand and dropping them onto the ground. Akatsuki face palmed while Hanabusa shook in fear, knowing that they are getting into big trouble.

"That Bloody Rose." Kaname said sternly facing Zero as he walked towards Hanabusa. "Would you put that away. I recommend you lower Ninigi too, Auska. I'm afraid that those weapons are rather threatening to us."

"Kaname I.." Yuki tried to apologise but hesitantly stopped.

"I will escort these fools to the headmaster's office myself to receive their punishment." Kaname added, grabbing the back collar of Hanabusa's uniform as the blond haired vampire froze in place. "Is that alright?"

Yuki looked at Auska then at Zero, waiting for their answers. "Fine by me." Auska reluctantly said as she straight her position.

"Just get them out of here, Kaname." Zero sneered in disgust.

Kaname then turned to Akatsuki, who was just as scared as Hananbusa. "Akatsuki, because you did nothing to stop Aido, you guilty too."

Akatsuki groaned in protest but accepted his punishment, knowing it is impossible change the dorm president's mind. "As for the two who had fainted." Kaname added as he watched his assistant, Seiren, cast a spell on the female Day Class students. "I will have their memory of tonight erased and sent them to the headmaster as well. Is that alright?"

"Y..yes, thank you Kaname." Yuki replied, bowing respectfully.

"I'm sorry if he scared you earlier. I hope that you are okay." he apologised in a sad expression. Yuki smiled at Kaname as she hid her bitten hand behind her back. "No it's fine. It wasn't really a bite though. More like a nibble."

Zero, still angry and disgusted, then grabbed onto Yuki's arm and immediately walked away, dragging her behind him. "Let's go."

As the two walked away, Kaname watch in guilt, feeling sorry for not doing a better job controlling his two classmates properly. He then turned to Auska, who was just as guilty as he looked, but for a different reason. "I'm so sorry, big brother Kaname." Auska said, bowing to him. "If I had done a better job protecting Yuki, a..all this wouldn't have happened."

Akatsuki and Hanabusa stared at her,socked by Auska's sudden transition of character. Kaname placed a hand onto her head and rubbed it gently, comforting the young girl. "It's okay. It's not your fault, Auska. I don't expect you to protect Yuki twenty-four seven. Don't forget, you also have me and Zero to rely on."

Auska looked up at Kaname as he moved his had away. He is right She thought to herself I have him and Zero. "I know. I just wish she would also be more weary. Yuki's a sweet person but she can be naive at times, and that makes me worry. After all, there are so many things that she doesn't know yet."

Kaname didn't know how to feel. Yes, it was only natural for Auska to be worried about her sister. However, she is also keeping a lot of secrets from Yuki. Especially...

"Well, I should probably find Yuki and Zero now." Auska said as she shook her head to clear her mind. "Yuki still has that bite mark on her hand. I have to help tend to it when we return home."

"Yes, you should." Kaname smiled back. Auska then turned to Hanabusa with a stern look on her face. "As for you." She addressed him, scaring the vampire a little by her tone. "Treat this as a second chance. However, if I spot you doing anything harmful to any other humans, I won't hesitate killing you. Understand, Hanabusa."

"Y..yes Mame." Hanabusa said shaking and sweating. Auska smile sweetly at him, happy with his reply, before running of to find Zero and Yuki. When she was finally out of sight, Hanabusa gave out a heavy sigh. "Gosh, that girl is more up tight than before. She is becoming more like Kiryu."

"I won't think so." Kaname disagreed. "If she was like Zero, Auska would have stuck an arrow at me by now."

-0-

Auska ran through the direction where Zero and Yuki were walking through. Up till a certain point, she spotted her adopted sister standing on a small bridge with her injured hand bandaged with Zero's tie, but Zero was nowhere to be seen. Yuki stood silently as she faced the night sky, many thoughts running through her mind.

I guess Zero already left. Auska thought to herself the smell of blood must have irritated him. "Hey, are you okay?" Auska asked as she tapped on Yuki's shoulder, startling her a little.

Yuki turned around to see Auska staring at her with a concern look. "Yeah, I'm fine." Yuki assured her sister. "I was just thinking about what happened earlier and the promise we made."

Yuki looked at Auska firmly, hoping for a good answer. "It's that what you meant when you said 'never get to close to vampires'?".

"Yes." Auska replied almost immediately. She then use her free hand to grabbed onto Yuki's shoulder. "I know that you believe that every vampire here is able to be trusted." She said firmly. "However, if there was something I learned as a vampire hunter-in-training, is that no vampire should be trusted no matter how friendly they are."

Yuki then latched her own hand onto Auska's arm, still feeling that she was not telling her the complete answer. "What about Kaname though? You trust him as much as I do. What difference does it make?"

Auska took in a deep breath before responding. "The difference is that big brother Kaname wouldn't kill without a reason. Unlike other vampires, when someone important to him is in trouble, Kaname would stop at nothing to protect them and he only he will stop it."

Yuki eyes widen and she start blushing. Kaname thinks of me as someone important to him. I didn't know that She thought No wonder Auska is fine with him around. She knows Kaname will protect me.

Auska sighed and let go of Yuki's shoulder. "Listen, I love you and care about your safety. So whenever your in any real danger, big brother Kaname, Zero and I will always be there to protect you. Alright?"

"Alright." Yuki replied with a solemn smile.

"Good." Auska smiled back. She then grabbed onto Yuki's injured hand gently. "We should head back home. I can help patch up the wound properly when we get back."

Yuki nodded back in response and two headed back to the headmaster's home.

-0-

After going to the headmaster's home, Yuki decided to take a bath first before letting her sister tend to her wound. After showering, Auska sat Yuki beside the sink. She brought her injured hand closer to herself and saw to punctured marks. "It isn't very deep so you don't have to worry." She assured Yuki.

From the first aid box, Auska took out a bottle of disinfectant and a band aid. "Looks like the bleeding stopped." She commented as she poured some disinfectant onto a cotton ball. "It's a good thing that Zero wrapped it up tightly with his tie."

As Auska started cleaning Yuki's wound, it stung her a little, causing her to fling a bit. "Sorry. I guess I'm not very use to it."

"It's fine." Auska replied as she continue cleaning the wounds gently. Yuki stared blankly into space, thoughts running through her mind. Her adopted sister notice her blank expression and got worried. "What wrong, Yuki?"

"Oh, it's nothing." Yuki replied. "It's just that..Zero. Ever since we met him four years ago, he has been nursing a darkness within his heart that I have yet to understand. Is there anyway that maybe...we could help."

Auska looked at her sister sadly. She could tell that Yuki wants to help Zero very badly. However, there are still things that Yuki doesn't know about him. Growing up, the three of them have been close, yet they are so far apart. She could understand Yuki's feelings. It wasn't after two years of living together that Auska found out Zero is a vampire and the pain he was going through. He told her not to tell Yuki because he didn't want to frighten or disgust her. It pains her to see him suffer alone, especially during times where she offer help but he rejected. However, she knew he did so that he could prevent his temptation for human blood and maintain his human side. As of now, Zero could only help himself. However, if thing changes in the future, Auska would have to step in and help Zero against his will or make him her enemy, a fact that she didn't want to make a reality.

"I see what your getting at." Auska said, looking at Yuki. "However, I know within the many layers of darkness in his heart, there is a light that shines with love and compassion for humans. He just prefers not to show it."

She then grabbed the band aid and paste it over the puncture marks. "People tend to see Zero as stoic and mean. However, I believe that more to him than meets the eye. I'm sure you agree too, Yuki."

Yuki, though in doubt, smiled and nodded in agreement. "Yes."

"There you go, all done." Auska said cheerfully as she pat down on the band aid gently. "The wounds would heal up by one week so you don't have to worry too much."

"Thank you, Auska." Yuki thanked as she rubbed her hand with her other.

"No problem." Auska place the first aid box back into the drawer underneath the sink and stood up. "I'll take a bath later. You can blow dry your hair first."

Yuki nodded as Auska made her way out of the bathroom. Once outside, She let out a big sigh as she leaned against the door and rub her forehead against her fingers. "What a night. I never thought things will start escalating that quickly." Auska whispered to herself with her eyes closed.

"I never thought you would see me that way." A random but familiar voice said, startling the young girl. Auska turned to her left and sees Zero standing beside her, causing her to jump to the right, blushing in embarrassment in the process. How long has he been here? Has he been eavesdropping all along?

"How much of it did you hear?" Auska asked him hastily.

"Since 'I know within the many layers of darkness in his heart, there is a light that shines with love and compassion for humans'." Zero said, mimicking Auska's voice, causing her to drop herself onto the floor and cover her reddened face. "Got to admit, I never expected those words to come out of you of all people." He commented once more.

Auska uncovered her face, her face still burning red. "I mean...it true isn't it." Her voice trembling a bit. "During patrol, you said that you won't let innocent human lives get take away on your watch. That was the first time I ever heard you say something like that. And you saying that...warmths me to know that your heart is not totally filled with anger and vengeance."

Zero then walked towards her and kneel down to her level. He lift up his hand and rub Auska's head gently. "it's just nice to know that you think of me that way." Zero said in a sweet tone.

Auska paused for a while, shocked and happy at the same time. A sweet smile slowly grew on her face and she nodded to Zero. He nodded back as he stood up from his kneeling position and made his way to the bathroom.

"Wait Zero! Yuki is still..." Auska called out as she scrambled from her sitting position but Zero has already went in. Well, never mind Auska thought as sweatdrops dripped from her head.

She then turn around and made her way to her room. While walking, she clench her hand close to her chest. What is this feeling I keep having. Every time I'm close to Zero, my heart feels like its about to burst out from my chest.

As Auska enters her room, she picked up a photo frame onto her bookshelf with a picture of her and Zero together. She smiled as she remembers the memories she made with Zero when they were training together and how he used to get really irritated with her. However, after spending more time with each other, he started to opened up to her more than before. The times they spend together are one of the most cherished memories Auska could make.

Pink bloomed across Auska's cheeks as she thought about it and her heart bet even faster. This feeling.

Am I...falling in love...with Zero.

She place the photo frame back on top the bookshelf and plop herself onto her bed, conflicted with the feelings she is feeling. I...don't know.

And that's a rap for the third chapter. Thank you once again for reading my fan fiction. A special thanks to blackenflames and prismascope, your comments really pushed me to continue writing.

Hope you guys would stay tune for the next chapter and see you later.

-Gi